The City of Houston, the Houston First Corporation, and the Houston National Convention Host Committee 2028 are currently finalizing Houston’s bid to host the 2028 Republican National Convention. If selected as the host city, the convention will likely bring over 50,000 visitors to Houston.
On occasion, events the size and scale of national party conventions require an agreement with the hosting municipality as part of the bid package. To that end, Houston First Corporation, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events are seeking Council’s approval of an agreement for the City to provide certain services (special events, fire, police, public health, traffic, aviation, etc.) which are vital to a successful event.
The agreement outlines the obligations of the Host Committee and the City to provide the necessary support services to host the 2028 Republican National Convention. This agreement does not obligate the City to spend any funds for goods and services. Additionally, the host city will receive a federal grant, of approximately $80,000,000.00 or more, to pay for security and related costs.
City Council is urged to approve this agreement expressing the City’s assurance that it will provide the necessary services to support the 2028 Republican National Convention should Houston be chosen as the host city.
Fiscal Note: There is no impact to the fiscal budget or no additional spending authority. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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Susan Christian, Director, Mayor’s Office of Special Events
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Michael Heckman, President & CEO, Houston First Corporation
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