Hispanic festival gains independence as city steps back

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the future of the Latin Business Expo, which has evolved into a community festival celebrating Latin-owned businesses. The event, initially overseen by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), has seen increasing vendor participation and family attendance over the years, prompting a proposal to transition management to the original organizing committee under the Hispanic Empowerment Foundation.

The committee's growth and success have led to a recommendation for the CRA to step back from its role as the lead agency after this year's event, scheduled for October 12. The CRA's involvement has been primarily focused on business development and recruitment, but officials noted that the festival has expanded beyond these initial goals.

Concerns were raised about the sustainability of the festival without CRA support. Some board members questioned whether the committee could operate independently and what the partnership would entail moving forward. While the committee has demonstrated financial success in previous years, there was a call for more transparency regarding their current needs and plans, particularly as they await confirmation of their nonprofit status.

The CRA plans to remain involved in a supportive capacity through the 2024 planning phase, with discussions about potential funding and staffing assistance for this year's event. However, the board emphasized the importance of ensuring that the festival continues to benefit the local Hispanic community without compromising the CRA's mission of economic development.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed a desire for representatives from the organizing committee to present their case for continued support, highlighting the need for collaboration to ensure the festival's future success and its positive impact on the community.