Council approves draft implementation plan and up to $250,000 in transition funding for economic development merger

The Brookings City Council on May 20 approved a draft implementation plan for the proposed merger of four local economic organizations and authorized up to $250,000 in transition funding to support the consolidation.

The plan, developed by the Economic Development Merger Committee, outlines a new organizational structure combining the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce, the Brookings Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Brookings and Visit Brookings into a single entity. Nick Wendell, co-chair of the merger committee, told the council the goals are to "preserve and enhance the existing missions" of the organizations, maximize public and private resources and better position the Brookings region to pursue opportunities.

Why it matters: The council’s approval signals funding support in the 2026 budget cycle and clears the way for formation of a new board and a search for a…