Council hears Visit Eau Claire contract proposal, then votes to enter closed session for negotiations

Visit Eau Claire's executive director presented a proposed contract for 2026 and beyond and outlined a plan to fund a two‑year destination master plan and a city destination development fund. After public comment in support of Visit Eau Claire, the council voted to enter closed session to provide negotiation direction on the contract.

Executive director Kenzie Haplicek told the council Visit Eau Claire is a 45‑year regional tourism organization serving Eau Claire and neighboring municipalities. Haplicek summarized the organization's results and the proposal: tourism had a reported $461 million total economic impact in Eau Claire County in 2024, visitors spent about $286 million, the industry supported roughly 3,900 jobs and produced an estimated $31 million in state and local taxes. Haplicek said the city collected about $2.9 million in room tax in 2024; under state statute the municipality may retain up to 30% while a minimum of 70% is forwarded to a tourism entity for tourism promotion and development.

Haplicek outlined a proposed financial model for 2026 (based on a 2.5% projected increase in room tax receipts): an allocation to fund a two‑year destination master plan at about 3% in…