Milwaukee RNC framework agreement approved by Common Council

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved on Wednesday, June 1 the framework for a contract to host the 2024 Republican National Convention. 

The agreement is an important requirement before the RNC makes its final decision on which city will host the convention. The city's bid to host a grand old party for the GOP nearly fizzled.

"I will tell you, I was pretty nervous, said Peggy Williams-Smith with VISIT Milwaukee, the organization spearheading the city's bid.

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The Common Council's Steering and Rules Committee last week tabled approving the framework, as members debated whether to request the city's RNC host committee pay $6 million to the city. While the federal government reimburses for security costs, some Common Council members expressed worries the city would lose money, and questioned estimates that the city and region could see upwards of $200 million in estimated economic impact.

"Regardless, the infusion of cash into our economy, into the region and the state is going to be immeasurable. There’s nothing like this," Williams-Smith said. "To have 15,000 credentialed journalists in our city for five straight days, telling the stories that the citizens of this community have to offer, is something that we can’t even measure in economic impact."

Milwaukee City Hall; 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC)

The deal sat in limbo for days until the full Common Council's approval Wednesday plus a signature from Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Milwaukee is lo longer asking the host committee to pay the city $6 million before the convention. Instead, the agreement states the parties will talk about using leftover funds after the convention. 

"If you look at the history of Republican National Conventions in cities across the United States, they have a history of doing just this. They have a history of making sure that they deliver goods to the communities that they are in," Johnson said.

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"Historically, these conventions always have money left over, and quite honestly, Republicans generally have a lot more money left over than the Democrats," Alderman Michael Murphy said.

Milwaukee is competing against Nashville to host the convention – and RNC organizers have said they want to make a final decision between the two cities in June.

"We have to continue putting on the full court press. It’s still a competition," said Johnson.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson released the following statement after the council's action:

"The Common Council has taken a positive step forward by approving the contract to host a major political convention in the summer of 2024.  I will sign the Council file at my first opportunity.

"My support for this agreement is primarily driven by the benefits hardworking Milwaukee residents will earn when the Republican National Convention comes to our city.  I also favor this effort because it positions Milwaukee to attract additional big conventions in the coming years.

"Council members have engaged in serious debate on this matter, and the minor modification adopted today appears to be entirely reasonable.

"We have reached an important stage in our work to win this convention.  I am hopeful Milwaukee will soon receive word from the Republicans that they have chosen to bring their 2024 convention here."

Reaction

Republican Party of Wisconsin Chairman Paul Farrow:

"Today’s unanimous vote was yet another testament to the broad support our bid has received from elected officials across the political spectrum, the business community, and the public. A 2024 Milwaukee convention would bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Wisconsin and would allow us to speak directly to America’s Heartland. No matter the outcome, we are inspired by how the Milwaukee community has come together in support of this effort, and we look forward to hearing the RNC’s final selection."

Joint statement of Milwaukee Common Council

"Today we voted with all of our colleagues in approving a framework contract that provides accountability while moving the city closer to hosting the 2024 Republican National Convention.

"Specifically, we added key provisions that will ensure Milwaukee is protected should the city be selected to host the 2024 RNC:

• That the City and Host Committee shall engage in a good faith effort to come to an agreement under which the Host Committee shall provide to the City funding consistent with the dollar amount normally provided to a host city after previous in-person Republican National Conventions, adjusted for inflation, to be used by the City for programs relating to housing, higher education and workforce development.
• That appropriate City officials and representatives of the Host Committee shall report to the Common Council the status of negotiations, plan development and event funding on a quarterly basis.

"The potential economic benefits to the city – especially for businesses and workers negatively impacted by the pandemic (the hospitality industry, restaurants and entertainment venues) – are very positive, significant, and uplifting. Importantly, we will be working continuously to ensure these economic benefits reach individuals and businesses across the entire city.

"If we are selected to host the convention, it will be a huge win-win for the city, and we will show the world what Milwaukee has to offer, and why we are a great destination for every reason and occasion.

"We are proud to take this important step today – one that gets us closer to hosting the 2024 RNC – all while ensuring an accountable and equitable outcome for the City of Milwaukee."