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Council approves three-year Visit Eau Claire room-tax contract and grants commitments
Summary
The council unanimously authorized a three-year contract (2026—28) with Visit Eau Claire that preserves three city voting seats on the Visit board, maintains grant administration by Visit Eau Claire, and guarantees specific payments to local cultural partners and in-kind marketing support.
The City Council on Nov. 11 authorized the city manager to enter a three-year contract with Visit Eau Claire covering the use of room-tax funds for 2026 through 2028. Deputy legal staff outlined governance provisions that maintain three city voting seats on Visit Eau Claire—s board (two council seats, one staff seat) and preserve ex officio roles on Visit committees.
Deputy attorney (presenter) said the contract guarantees return-of-funds commitments to the city and to community partners: $65,000 for 2026 and 2027 and $150,000 in 2028; the Chippewa Valley Museum is guaranteed $165,000 and the Pablo Center $225,000, and Visit Eau Claire is to provide $50,000 in in-kind marketing services for the Pablo Center.
Visit Eau Claire Director Kenzie Havlicek thanked the council: "This agreement represents an important step forward," she said, adding the group looks forward to developing a destination master plan that will bring in community voices and support economic and cultural goals.
Staff recommended approval and the council approved the resolution unanimously; staff said Visit Eau Claire will administer grants that are likely to generate overnight stays and must align with the city's strategic plan.
