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.
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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 compen...
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