A lengthy discussion at the Mayor’s Council centered on the role of tourism and economic-development agencies (including Guam Visitors Bureau and GEDA) in supporting village maintenance and value for residents and visitors.

Several mayors and the president argued villages must be included in destination-management planning and that investment should target sites with cultural, historic or recreational value. One council member said a recent tourism-recovery report did not sufficiently account for village benefits and asked how GVB and GEDA could support village economies beyond cosmetic projects. A speaker representing tourism interests acknowledged GVB has expanded maintenance activities (beach cleaning, park maintenance, anti-graffiti work and solar lights in parks) and described destination management as part marketing and part product-improvement.

Mayors pressed for practical support, including regular grass-cutting, lighting in parks to deter dumping and vandalism, and better interagency coordination so villages are not left filling gaps. Several mayors raised public-safety issues—crime, homeless encampments, and stray animals—and said those problems must be addressed before broader promotional efforts. One mayor noted road improvements scheduled for a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 22 but said vegetation overhanging cliffs and roadside shoulders pose safety risks if not trimmed.

Speakers proposed concrete next steps: collect village-specific lists of tourist sites and conditions, engage GVB/GEDA/DPW/Department of Labor to coordinate resources, and prepare submissions for any hot-bond or grant funds so village priorities are considered in funding decisions. The council urged community engagement so projects reflect local preferences and do not impose unwanted tourism impacts on residential areas.