The Village Board of Brown Deer made significant strides in promoting local tourism during their meeting on July 7, 2025, by approving a new tourism grant program aimed at enhancing visitor attractions. The initiative, presented by administrative intern Haley, is designed to reinvest room tax revenue collected from overnight hotel stays back into the community, fostering economic development and supporting public events.

Trustee Thompson moved to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Roman Club for the creation of North Shore Roadway Park, which passed unanimously, setting a positive tone for the meeting. Following this, Haley outlined the details of the tourism grant program, which will provide funding of up to $5,000 for eligible events organized by nonprofit organizations or public entities. The grant aims to cover marketing costs, such as website updates and digital promotions, but will not fund operational expenses for events.

The program is structured to encourage applications from organizations that can generate overnight hotel stays, thereby boosting local business. The tourism commission will review applications before they are presented to the board for final approval. To ensure accountability, recipients will be required to submit a final report detailing how the funds were utilized.

Trustees expressed concerns about the reimbursement process, particularly for nonprofits that may struggle with upfront costs. In response, the board discussed the possibility of advancing 50% of the grant amount to help organizations manage their expenses more effectively. This adjustment aims to make the program more accessible and beneficial for local nonprofits.

Overall, the new tourism grant program represents a proactive approach by the Village Board to stimulate economic growth and enhance the community's appeal to visitors, with the potential for long-term benefits for local businesses and attractions. The board's commitment to supporting tourism initiatives signals a strategic move to revitalize the area and attract more visitors in the coming years.