Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Economics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Downtown Bentonville group reports strong 2024 activity; city to consider expanded contract for promenade events
Summary
Downtown Bentonville Incorporated told council its 2024 programs brought millions in market sales and tens of thousands of attendees; city staff said the DBI contract is on the council agenda for approval with an increase to support added programming on the promenade.
Dana with Downtown Bentonville (DBI) presented a recap of 2024 activities and economic impact, and council members heard that the organization’s annual contract will be on the city agenda for approval with an increased amount to cover extra events on the promenade once construction finishes.
Dana said DBI’s farmers market generated $2,900,000 in sales in 2024, supporting more than 200 local vendors and drawing weekend crowds. She told council that downtown holiday programming drew large crowds — the city’s Christmas parade attendance was estimated at about 24,000 and the city’s lighting of the square about 20,000 — and that First Friday programming featured seven major events with 25 bands across the year.
A city staff member told the council the contract with Downtown Bentonville will be on the agenda for the next council meeting and that staff propose increasing the annual amount because DBI will manage additional events on the promenade (live music, movie series and similar programming) once construction is completed. Staff said the city asked DBI to raise private funds as part of its budget discussions; staff reported DBI has made progress toward the fundraising goals the city described earlier in budget hearings.
Council members asked about construction impacts downtown, timelines and efforts to communicate with business owners. DBI and staff said they are coordinating with contractors, preparing month‑by‑month plans for event footprints during construction, and will use signage and regular communication with affected restaurants to minimize disruption. Staff estimated the promenade construction could be substantially complete by late July, with outdoor dining in front of two affected restaurants targeted by spring break but subject to weather and schedule adjustments.
The council did not vote on the DBI contract at this meeting; staff said the item was scheduled for the next council session and that staff would be available to answer council questions then.
