Webster Groves business district panel reviews advertising options, punts final budget ask to subcommittee

At a recent meeting of the Webster Groves Business District Commission, city staff and commission members reviewed media partnerships and advertising costs and discussed a supplemental budget request to expand district marketing.

City public engagement staff described current media partners, per-spot rates and sample campaign costs, and commissioners discussed asking the city for additional funds beyond what the city currently budgets for Webster-wide promotions. No final vote on a supplemental appropriation was recorded; members agreed to form a subcommittee and use a pro forma report to produce a draft budget for the commission and, if needed, request an extension for the council deadline.

The commission heard a presentation from Tiara, a city public engagement staff member, on existing partnerships and unit costs. Tiara said a 30-second radio spot runs about $91.89 and that the city currently runs about five spots per week, producing roughly $3,400 in weekly air time across about 37…