Texas Event Leadership ProgramTag Archives: Municipal Events
Austin city staff to events organizers: Show us the money – Austin Business Journal
The city of Austin is taking new approaches to stemming future budget shortfalls that result from previous service for special events. On average over the past five years, the city has recouped only 64 percent of its expenses incurred to service special events. One method to address future shortfalls is to initiate a cost-of-service study for all services required to support events to help guide future permitting fees to cover costs. Source: Austin city staff to events organizers: Show us the money – Austin Business Journal
Delray festivals, parade now paying double with more restrictions | www.palmbeachpost.com
Compare this article regarding municipal annual expenditures and special events in Delray, FL to the article we posted on city policies and special events with the City of Austin, TX. From Delray: “A decision to change special events policies means Delray Beach will have at least five fewer festivals — and the staple events that want to remain face more restrictions and higher costs.” Source: Delray festivals, parade now paying double with more restrictions | www.palmbeachpost.com
Austin city staff to events organizers: Show us the money – Austin Business Journal
Austin officials are exploring new ways to pay for increased services during special events held in the city. One of the recommendations would require events that have been granted fee waivers — including South By Southwest Inc. — to submit post-event reports so that city officials can make sure these events are worth the money. If they fail to meet to-be-determined benchmarks, those waivers could be forfeited. Source: Austin city staff to events organizers: Show us the money – Austin Business Journal
Vibrant murals transform this Virginia city into a giant art gallery
Part of a revitalization program in Crystal City, VA public art has transformed city buildings into a “giant art gallery”. This kind of initiative can be included with future public events. Art Walls, CEO and president of the Crystal City Business Improvement District (CCBID) Angie Fox said, “We were looking at ways to shift perceptions, and in our world, concrete is canvas. We can infuse art into the fabric of Crystal City so that you experience it as you walk around. Whether you’re into art or not, certainly… Read More →
Battle Creek, MI holds city fair introducing people to city services
Once in a while I receive questions from municipal event/tourism managers to offer educational programs specific to the city event experience. The following is a link to an article of how the city of Battle Creek, MI held its first city fair downtown showcasing city services. “Each department was on hand to talk about their role, address concerns and answer questions, like how do I vote and how does my water meter work.” Source: Battle Creek holds festival to introduce people to city services | WWMT
Public Spaces are Going Private
Interesting article discussing the dichotomy between the pressure of municipalities using existing public spaces (i.e. city parks) to host private festivals and events, public perception of said events and community economic impact. The article is written from the global perspective (Great Britain) and can certainly apply to privatized events taking place in public settings in the US. Source: Public spaces are going private – and our cities will suffer