Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-067 authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement for Contractor Services with Meredith Dowdy (M.E.T. Innovations, LLC) in the amount of $10,600 per month, with annual adjustments, for tourism management services; and take appropriate action.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch continues to prioritize tourism as a key driver of economic development, supporting hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenues, visitor spending, and local business activity. The City’s tourism program supports 13 hotels and serves as a critical component of the local economy, contributing to jobs, regional visibility, and community vibrancy.
Over the past several years, the City’s tourism efforts, supported by contracted professional services, have produced measurable and sustained results. Recent performance highlights include:
• $3.49 million in hotel occupancy tax revenue, exceeding annual projections
• 59,018 tourism-involved room nights, significantly exceeding contracted performance goals
• More than 300,000 visitors annually stay in Farmers Branch hotels
• 18.6% growth in hotel tax revenue over the past three years, reaching historic highs
Additionally, major events and partnerships have generated substantial economic impact, including large-scale tournaments and corporate agreements that drive overnight stays, visitor spending, and national visibility for the City.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of Resolution No. 2026-067 will authorize the execution of the Agreement for Contractor Services with Meredith Dowdy (M.E.T. Innovations, LLC), and will formalize the Tourism Manager's role as a contractor, responsible for coordinating the tourism strategy, aligning team efforts, managing hotel partnerships, overseeing performance-tracking systems, and supporting event attraction and service efforts.
Key elements of the Agreement include:
• Five (5) year initial term beginning May 1, 2026, with annual renewal options
• Monthly compensation of $10,600, with a 3% annual adjustment
• Performance-based incentives tied to hotel room night generation, aligned with team goals of approximately 20,000 room nights annually
• Defined scope of services focused on:
o Tourism strategy and performance management
o Hotel partner coordination and incentive program administration
o Event and group support
o Marketing and servicing strategy alignment
o Reporting, analytics, and continuous improvement
Staff will be available for any questions the Council may have.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impact of $127,200 annually, with a 3% annual increase from the Hotel/Motel Fund.
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-067 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-067 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-067
2. Exhibit A - Agreement for Contractor Services