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State adds $3 million for World Cup marketing and boosts arts grants; department aims for long-term tourism gains
Summary
The Department of Economic Development told the committee it wants $3 million in one-time amended funds to update marketing and activate tourism during the FIFA World Cup, plus smaller additions for entrepreneurship and community arts grants.
Commissioner Wilson presented a package of amended-budget additions intended to leverage the FIFA World Cup and support long-term tourism growth. He said the governor recommended $3 million to update marketing materials, produce new video and website content, and fund activations such as a trade-show-style floor at the World Congress Center to showcase Georgia communities and products to visitors.
Wilson framed the $3 million as one-time amended-budget money that will be spent in FY26 and argued the updates will outlast the World Cup. He also noted two smaller house-added items: $100,000 for entrepreneurial support for small businesses and $250,250 for increased community arts grants. For the arts grants, he introduced Tina Lily of the Georgia Council for the Arts, who said applications are adjudicated by community panels scored on published criteria with community impact weighted most heavily.
Committee members asked if $3 million was enough for meaningful impact; Wilson said the state’s marketing budget has declined from 2008 levels and that the department has plans that could be scaled if more funds become available. He told the chair the updated website is targeted to launch in late March or early April to be available before FIFA events.
