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Commissioners review request to split $70,000 feasibility study cost for downtown convention center
Summary
The CVB requested partners to split a $70,000 feasibility study by Johnson Consulting; county staff recommended up to $23,500 come from general fund contingency and emphasized downtown and riverfront as preferred areas for study.
County staff presented a request from the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to contract Johnson Consulting (Chicago) to produce a comprehensive feasibility study for a downtown convention/exhibition center. The consultant cost cited was $70,000; the CVB board requested the cost be divided equally among the CVB, the county and the city, and asked the county to fund up to $23,500 from general fund contingency.
Assistant County Administrator Barry Brooks told commissioners the study aims to evaluate market demand, hotel capacity, and site options — with a focus on downtown and riverfront opportunities — and to identify the appropriate market niche for Albany and Dougherty County. Commissioners asked about involvement in the study, and staff said county officials are at the table: the county administrator and staff members participate on the CVB board and the study will coordinate with local hotel interests, economic development initiatives and downtown planning efforts. No formal county vote was recorded in the March 10 work session; staff characterized the item as a request and described next steps.
