Committee approves fee waiver for Visit Annapolis annual reception; event set for Jan. 28

The Annapolis City Council Finance Committee voted to give a favorable recommendation on Resolution R-5724, a request to waive city fees for the annual Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County meeting and tourism industry reception scheduled for Jan. 28.

Hope Stewart, the city’s SMBE liaison in the economic development office and a member of the Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County board, told the committee the reception brings stakeholders and partners together to highlight the organization’s work and that the event is typically held on the Ellipse behind the visitor center. Stewart described the event as a large, successful showcase that demonstrates how the city-owned space can host events beyond the visitor center.

Committee discussion included whether the council should continue to consider the waiver as a one-off item or adopt an automatic annual waiver for city-sponsored events. No additional staff concerns were raised and an alderwoman asked to be added as a cosponsor. A motion for a favorable recommendation was moved and seconded; members voted aye and the resolution will move to the full council for final action.

The waiver follows precedent: the committee noted similar waivers have been granted in prior years. Staff asked the committee to consider whether future waivers of this type should be handled automatically for city-sponsored events or continue to return to committee for consideration.

The recommendation does not appropriate new funds; it simply waives permit and facility fees for the Visit Annapolis reception. The committee recorded no conditions on the waiver other than standard event permitting requirements.