Goodyear Council to establish office of tourism to boost local attractions

The Goodyear City Council convened on June 16, 2025, for a work session focused on enhancing the city’s tourism strategy and reviewing the internal audit program. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the establishment of an official office of tourism, which aims to build on the existing destination marketing organization. Council members expressed support for this initiative, emphasizing its potential to boost local tourism.

During the session, it was noted that the current funding from the 302 fund is sufficient for short-term needs. However, there was a consensus among council members to explore additional funding options during the strategic planning process scheduled for the fall. Discussions included the possibility of earmarking a percentage of the general fund, similar to the allocation for the arts and culture commission, to support tourism efforts.

Council members highlighted the importance of leveraging local attractions, such as the Goodyear Ballpark and the anticipated impact of Buc-ee's, a new travel center, on tourism. The potential development of the ballpark village was also mentioned as a significant opportunity to enhance the city’s appeal to visitors.

The meeting transitioned to an update on the internal audit program, specifically focusing on payroll and timekeeping assessments. The council received a report from the internal audit team, which is expected to provide insights into operational efficiencies and compliance.

Overall, the work session underscored the council's commitment to advancing Goodyear's tourism initiatives while ensuring fiscal responsibility through ongoing audits and assessments. The next steps will involve further discussions on funding strategies and the implementation of the tourism office.