RESOLUTION NO. 230054

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Sponsors: Councilmembers Ryana Parks-Shaw, Kevin O'Neill and Brandon Ellington

Directing the City Manager refrain from engaging in any further actions to outsource the Convention and Entertainment Facilities operations performed by City staff without City Council approval; requiring Council approval before engaging in any future Request for Proposals or other formal request to outsource any City service or function; and directing the City Manager to create a process for future City service or function outsourcing efforts and to report back to the City Council within ninety days.

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WHEREAS, on November 8, 2022, voters overwhelmingly supported Question 1, which proposed the issuance of $125 million in municipal bonds, of which $45 million is designated to address deferred maintenance of the convention center complex venues; and

WHEREAS, Question 1 enjoyed strong City Council support and was endorsed by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Civic Council of Greater Kansas City, Visit KC, Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City and others, all who acknowledge that upgrades to the City's main convention asset are critical to operating one of Kansas City's largest economic engines; and

WHEREAS, the City Council expects the proposed capital projects submitted by Conventions and Entertainment Facilities will be executed over the next five years, as authorization for the bonds will be used within that time; and

WHEREAS, Convention and Entertainment Facilities staff have gained the confidence of industry partners and strive to build solid relationships that will benefit the local tourism industry, which annually generates $3.4 billion in visitor spending and $389 million in local/state tax revenues, and puts more than 110,000 Kansas Citians to work; and

WHEREAS, any attempt at outsourcing current operations may not meet the expectation of the voters and civic and industry partners; NOW, THER...

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