In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed plans to enhance community engagement and boost local events during the month of October, particularly through a marketing initiative centered around Halloween. The initiative aims to draw more visitors to various local events, including Arts and Jazz and Day of the Dead celebrations, by promoting them collectively under the Halloween theme.

Officials emphasized the importance of collaboration with local businesses, encouraging them to participate by offering Halloween-themed promotions. The goal is to increase foot traffic in downtown areas and ensure the success of these events throughout the month. City representatives noted that they have been in communication with key stakeholders, including event organizers, to ensure a unified approach.

Budget considerations were also a focal point of the discussion. The city has allocated $29,000 for Christmas decorations and $25,000 for marketing efforts. Officials acknowledged that while they do not expect immediate financial returns, they will evaluate the impact of these initiatives based on hotel and sales tax revenue after the events. They highlighted the importance of gathering feedback from local businesses to assess the effectiveness of the marketing strategy.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the role of local hotels in attracting visitors. City officials mentioned that the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CBB) is involved in planning and that hotels are expected to provide incentives to encourage visitors to stay in the area. The discussion also touched on the need for effective promotion beyond the local community, particularly through social media, to attract visitors from the broader metroplex.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses through strategic marketing and collaboration, with an eye toward long-term success and sustainability of local events.