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CONSENT ITEM - 8D ZEEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: August 26, 2024 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Jessica Jagoe, Interim City Administrator SUBJECT: Acknowledgement of Twin Cities Gateway Grant Funds Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source: N/A $18,390 Twin Cities Gateway Council Should Consider Motions to approve, table, or deny the following: • Acknowledgement of Twin Cities Gateway Grant Funds being used to support community related activities. Discussion The City of Arden Hills is a member of the Twin Cities Gateway (TCG) Visitors Bureau. As a member, the City facilitates a pass-thru lodging tax on hotel receipts in the City. These lodging receipts fund marketing activities in the area administered by TCG. As part of the organization, the City also receives an annual grant based on receipts from TCG, which must be spent on marketing activities to draw in visitors from outside the city. This year, the City's grant amount is $18,390; the City Council previously discussed how to use the funds at a work session and directed Staff to work with Bethel University, Ribfest, Mounds View Schools (MVS), and the local Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR). Bethel University and Ribfest have submitted proposals for the funds and have been approved by TCG, MVS and BTYR were not able to utilize the funds this year due to the grant requirements. Following the work session direction, City Staff contacted both organizations and requested they work with TCG to develop a plan that would meet the grant guidelines. Both organizations worked with TCG and received approval that their plans fit the grant guidelines. A brief summary of each plan is below. • Bethel University: used for marketing activities related to homecoming and family weekend, will include both print and digital marketing products. • Ribfest used for marketing activities related to its September 16a` Ribfest event, will include print, digital, and radio marketing. Budget Impact Page 1 of 1