Submitted By
Emily A. Egan, Development Services Director
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing Approval of a Funding Grant Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and Visit Oak Park in the Amount of $209,042 for Fiscal Year 2025 and Authorizing its Execution.
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Overview
Overview
The 2025 Funding Grant Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and Visit Oak Park, including a scope of services and program goals and measures, in the Amount of $209,042 for Fiscal Year 2025, is presented for the Village Board’s review and approval.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
Visit Oak Park is a non-profit State of Illinois certified tourism bureau that provides marketing and advertising services for the various attractions located in its service area. Visit Oak Park assists 20 communities in the Oak Park area, including Oak Park, with these marketing and advertising services. The Village of Oak Park has been a primary funder of Visit Oak Park, in partnership with the State of Illinois, for decades. Visit Oak Park has begun to collect membership dues from other communities. As of today, a total of 11 communities and 1 community asset are fiscal partners, with a total contribution of $57,000. Visit Oak Park has asked for the same funding level as fiscal year 2024 from Village. The Village’s grant support is provided from a portion of the funds collected from Oak Park’s Hotel/Motel tax, the majority of which is realized from stays at short-term rentals, the single Oak Park Hotel, and the single Oak Park bed-n-breakfast.
The 2025 service agreement calls for Visit Oak Park to encourage tourism-related visits to Oak Park through their targeted marketing and advertising efforts across multiple types of media. Additionally, Visit Oak Park is to provide professional assistance and consultation to Oak Park tourism attractions including, to name a few, the Hemingway Birthplace, the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Dr. Percy Julian, Unity Temple, etc. Visit Oak Park is recognized as an important community-based organization that, in partnership with Oak Park business districts, businesses, and non-profits, contributes to the health and economic vitality of Oak Park.
Fiscal Impact
The Proposed 2025 Fiscal Year Budget includes $209,042 in funding for Visit Oak Park (Account 1001.46260.101.585652).
DEI Impact
Visit Oak Park works to market and advertise services and events in Oak Park. It is a vital component of attracting tourism to Oak Park and the economic vitality of the Village.
Alternatives
Not approve the Resolution, or approve at a lesser amount.
Previous Board Action
On December 4, 2023, the Village Board approved a funding grant agreement in the amount of $209,042 for fiscal year 2024.
On January 17, 2023, the Village Board approved a funding grant agreement in the amount of $175,000 for fiscal year 2023.
On December 5, 2021, the Village Board approved a funding grant agreement in the amount of $175,000 for fiscal year 2022.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A