Visit Eau Claire proposes three-year tourism contract with strengthened financial oversight

The City Council of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, convened on August 11, 2025, to discuss key developments regarding the allocation of tourism funds and future planning initiatives. The meeting focused on the effective use of room tax revenues, which totaled approximately $2.9 million for 2024. Of this amount, 30% is retained by the city, while 70% is allocated to Visit Eau Claire for tourism promotion and development.

Visit Eau Claire's funding distribution includes 49% for its operational costs and 21% directed towards community partners such as the Pablo Center, Chippewa Valley Museum, and the Son Take Center. This model is designed to support tourism development projects, reflecting a collaborative approach similar to other regional partnerships.

The presentation highlighted a significant increase in the city's share of room tax, which rose by 44% from 2019 to 2024, amounting to over $871,000. This revenue is earmarked for city projects and services, underscoring the success of attracting visitors to the area.

In response to the city's request for a shorter contract duration, Visit Eau Claire proposed an initial three-year term, with the option for automatic one-year renewals thereafter. This structure aims to provide stability while allowing for regular evaluations of the partnership's effectiveness.

A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of a destination master plan, a ten-year strategic blueprint intended to align tourism development with the city's economic and cultural goals. This plan will guide future investments and ensure that tourism initiatives are data-driven and beneficial to the community. Visit Eau Claire plans to engage a firm with expertise in developing such plans and will issue a request for proposals to identify suitable candidates.

Funding proposals for 2026 and 2027 were also discussed, which include allocations for the destination master plan and a city destination development fund. These funds will support projects identified in the master plan, ensuring resources are available to implement strategic initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and collaboration, as Visit Eau Claire assured the city of ongoing financial oversight and representation on grant committees. Legal counsel provided insights into best practices for tourism entities, emphasizing the importance of compliance with state laws regarding tourism promotion and development.

Overall, the meeting underscored a proactive approach to enhancing Eau Claire's tourism landscape, with a focus on strategic planning and community engagement to foster continued growth and development.