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Smithville discusses incentives, downtown upgrades and World Cup outreach to draw visitors
Summary
Board members discussed using incentives and marketing to attract businesses and tourists, asked for clearer communication about downtown parking, and considered a July 4 event and targeted outreach for the 2026 World Cup.
Smithville aldermen and staff discussed a suite of economic development efforts at the April 17 retreat, including downtown infrastructure improvements, possible incentives for businesses and marketing to attract World Cup visitors.
Staff highlighted recent street and sidewalk renovations and the city's downtown assets; Cynthia Wagner noted an inventory of more than 600 parking spaces within a three-block radius and the Board asked that information be shared with the public to support visitation and events.
Board members said the city should pursue more professional businesses and consider incentives such as tax abatements while recognizing the limits of municipal authority over private business hours. Members discussed encouraging extended weekend hours through marketing rather than regulation.
The Board reviewed existing partnerships with Main Street and the Chamber of Commerce and discussed preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including a potential enhanced July 4 celebration timed with matches and geo-targeted outreach to visitors.
Next steps include additional planning for events tied to the World Cup and continued coordination with local business partnerships; no formal incentive package was adopted at the retreat.
