Explanation
This legislation authorizes and directs Columbus City Council to enter into a grant agreement with FM2, LLC for the Fashion Meets Music Festival (FMMF). The festival, which is held on Labor Day weekend, has provided Columbus, surrounding communities and Central Ohio with national and international attention by showcasing fashion and music, with renowned designers and musical artists. The festival features bands performing in various spaces, food vendors, fashion shows, a Retail Marketplace for fashion vendors, and draws thousands of attendees over its two-day run.
Fashion Meets Music Festival has made a home in Downtown Columbus - specifically in the Arena District. On its journey, FMMF strives to identify Columbus as a national leader in music, fashion, dining, art, and education, partnering with local brands and businesses to showcase the best of the city. The target constituents include anyone who enjoys music and/or fashion. Based on the previous year’s attendance and projections by the organizers, visitor characteristics of similar festivals and typical visitor spending figures from Experience Columbus, Fashion Meets Music Festival had an estimated total impact on Central Ohio of $5.6 million in 2015, with a projected increase to $11.8 million in 2019. The City of Columbus received an estimated $51,800 in income taxes and lodging taxes in 2015, which is projected to increase to $120,100 by 2019.
In order to assist the marketing of this event and to grow economic development in the City of Columbus and surrounding communities, Council deems it appropriate to allocate $25,000.00 to the Fashion Meets Music Festival from the Neighborhood Initiatives Jobs Growth subfund.
Title
To authorize City Council to enter into a grant agreement with FM2, LLC for the Fashion Meets Music Festival to promote art and music in the City of Columbus; and to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $25,000.00 from the Neighborhood Initiatives Jobs Growth s...
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