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Marietta to set aside $175,000 from tourism reserve for World Cup 2026 and U.S. 250th events; NAACP granted $20,000
Summary
City committees approved a $175,000 appropriation from the tourism reserve to support marketing and events tied to FIFA World Cup 2026 and the U.S. 250th anniversary, and authorized a separate $20,000 one-time tourism grant to the NAACP.
Committee members discussed multiple ways Marietta might leverage proximity to Atlanta and local assets to draw visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. Staff noted Atlanta United's Franklin Gateway complex and other local cultural assets (History Center, Welcome Center, arts organizations) that could host or cross-promote events.
Staff requested a single appropriation of $175,000 from the city's tourism reserve to support a coordinated marketing and events program across two priorities (World Cup 2026 and the U.S. 250th). Staff said the tourism reserve currently holds approximately $1.25 million and that the requested amount would be drawn from that balance; any unspent balance would return to the tourism reserve. Committee members said this was a timely request given the World Cup draw scheduled for Dec. 5 and moved the appropriation forward.
Separately, the committee approved a one-time $20,000 additional grant to the NAACP to help cover rising operational costs; committee members disclosed contacts or membership where required and noted the award was a one-time contribution.
Next steps
Staff will prepare the required budget amendment and welcome-center contract adjustments for council consideration and said additional event plans, vendor agreements and marketing expenditures will return to council for approval. Staff also said that final event planning will depend on the World Cup draw and team assignments after Dec. 5.
Key details
- Appropriation: $175,000 from tourism reserve for World Cup 2026 and U.S. 250th activities (approved). - NAACP: additional one-time $20,000 grant from tourism funds (approved on consent).
