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Council approves hotel market study to build a marketing case for new hotels
Summary
Belleville approved a proposal from Steadfast City Economic and Community Partners to prepare a hotel market study and a marketing packet; the study does not guarantee a hotel, will analyze demand and sites, and may be billed in four payments plus travel costs.
The Belleville City Council voted Aug. 18 to hire Steadfast City Economic and Community Partners to prepare a hotel market study and marketing presentation intended to support recruitment of hotel developers. The contract will be paid in four installments of $20,652.50, and the council noted standard reimbursable travel and incidental costs may be billed separately.
Alderperson Osteroff moved the proposal and Alderperson Steele seconded. Council discussion focused on expectations: staff and consultants said the study will not guarantee that a hotel will locate in Belleville but will analyze demand drivers — population, demographics, travel generators, and available sites — and produce a market presentation suitable for use in direct outreach to hotel companies.
During discussion a council member asked whether the firm guarantees securing a hotel; staff replied, “No. This study is ... to say, yes. We have the resources … that’s what they’re gonna study so that we can prove this, company, hey. We're ready for a hotel,” and emphasized the study’s role as a marketing and feasibility tool. Members also noted local connections on the consultant team; staff said Joel, a local who previously worked for the city, is part of the team, and that consultant travel language in the contract is boilerplate.
Alderperson Schneider voted no; the motion carried on roll call. Council members asked that the final study be publicly available; staff said the final product would be public record and could be requested under normal public‑records procedures.
What the study will cover: staff described an in‑depth analysis of demand factors, market demographics, and potential sites — including city‑owned and privately available parcels — and said the deliverable will be a presentation to help the city market potential sites to hotel developers. The study may consider boutique and limited‑service hotel concepts and likely candidate sites mentioned during discussion included areas near the fairgrounds, local shopping centers and redevelopment parcels previously planned for hotel sites.
Next steps: the consultant will begin site and market analysis and provide the marketing packet for staff to use in outreach to hotel operators and investors; any negotiated incentives or land deals would require separate council approval.
