Overhaul for Kansas City’s neighborhood tourism fund is a welcome move

Kansas City officials have taken a positive step by endorsing new scrutiny for the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund. It disburses nearly $2 million a year from the convention and tourism tax to a wide range of activities.

Under a revised ordinance passed recently, the fund will now fall under the purview of the city manager’s office, specifically the new Office of Culture and Creative Services. A newly constituted committee of 15 members will review proposals and make recommendations to the City Council. The fund committee will include two members representing each council district and three at-large members appointed by the mayor.

Megan Crigger, the director of creative services, says the change will allow her to make a comprehensive assessment of the fund process and study how the tax money can best be used toward enhancing the city through tourism.

Crigger says she wants to ensure the process is “fair, equitable and transparent.” That’s an excellent goal.

This story was originally published April 9, 2015 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Overhaul for Kansas City’s neighborhood tourism fund is a welcome move."