Smithville EDC highlights murals, website updates and STR outreach to boost tourism

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) briefed the Board of Aldermen on accomplishments and action items aimed at strengthening Smithville’s tourism and business vitality. EDC members described public‑art plans, updated visitor materials and a marketing strategy tied to a website landing page and QR codes to direct campground visitors to local amenities.

EDC said it has worked with MU Extension on a public‑art toolkit and delegated mural implementation to Smithville Main Street District, with Adam leading execution. "We have discussed murals for downtown," an EDC presenter said, and added MU Extension is "putting together a type of toolkit for us to use." To drive visitation, the city provided brochure materials and a QR code at Smiths Fork Campground to send campers to the economic development landing page.

On marketing, staff discussed options for a campaign to leverage the lake, target specific visitor demographics or use broader outreach. Several participants suggested holding off some short‑term marketing until major regional events — such as the World Cup — have announced schedules, to coordinate travel and shuttle hubs.

EDC also described an analytics option to get near‑real‑time visitor and downtown activity data. "There's a company called Place Your AI... it is actually, like, real time," staff said, describing a product that staff believes will provide finer categories than previous tools and enable mapping of business districts to inform grant applications and marketing.

Short‑term rentals drew sustained discussion. One board member noted an informal count of about a dozen STRs in Smithville and suggested collecting booking data via AirDNA or property managers to demonstrate demand for a hotel or alternatives. "I think we're up to 12 or better STRs in Smithville," a board member said. Staff cautioned that zoning, infrastructure (water/sewer) and tax incentives in nearby areas may limit hotel prospects; alternatives discussed included enhancing the campground, adding glamping or promoting ADUs.

Public‑art planning includes community feedback gathered at Hot Summer Nights polling a "lake life" theme that survey respondents preferred; staff said they will continue public outreach and return to the board when they need formal approval for installation timing and artist selection. EDC asked the board for feedback on the city’s 2/5/10‑year priorities so the commission’s short‑ and long‑term work aligns with the board’s vision.

Next steps: EDC will continue public outreach on murals, finalize marketing materials for the website and short‑term rental packet for property managers, and return with more refined proposals and any requests for formal approvals.