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Officially responding on behalf of the City of Philadelphia to a letter dated February 7th, 2014 from Democratic National Committee Chair, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to Mayor Michael A. Nutter asking for confirmation of interest in hosting the 2016 Democratic National Convention prior to a March 1st deadline. Since the Administration does not plan to convey interest in recruiting this massive economic boost to Philadelphia, City Council is forced to do it for them.
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WHEREAS, Philadelphia has hosted the Republican National Convention six times since the dawn of our Republic. But despite being the birthplace of American Democracy, Philadelphia has been host to the Democratic National Convention only twice—once in 1936 and again in 1948; and
WHEREAS, After missing the opportunity in 2010 to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention—despite the deadline being extended a month just for the Nutter Administration to eventually turn it down—the Administration has spoken with its words about their commitment to bring the 2016 DNC to Philadelphia, but they have not delivered with their actions and are nearly out of time; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia City Council is bewildered as to why the Administration has not jumped at the opportunity to simply express interest in competing to host this major event when the economic benefits are obvious; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, the Nutter Administration cited cost concerns as the reason Philadelphia did not bid for the 2012 DNC. A nonprofit set up to run the 2000 RNC Convention raised $66 million for operating expenses, with $39 million coming from taxpayers in and around Philadelphia. A report compiled by the City after the convention said that it delivered an economic impact of $345 million for Philadelphia and the surrounding region; and
WHEREAS, If the Administration listened to job creators they would say that sometimes it takes money to make money. Given that in 2016 we have only booked 60 percent of historic targets for hotel reservations generated by conventions; the Administration should see that a hard push to recruit major events like the 2016 Democratic National Convention is not only an investment worth making, it is one of the most important economic development responsibilities with which they are entrusted; and
WHEREAS, It is reported that some of the Administration's hesitation to fight vigorously for Philadelphia to host the 2016 DNC, let alone buy time by simply confirming interest, has to do with previously booked unnamed events at the Wells Fargo Center. If the Administration can prove that the economic impact of a single sold-out John Mayer concert or Monster Truck Rally exceeds the $345 million generated by the 2000 Republican National Convention held here, Philadelphia City Council will gladly relent; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby confirm the City of Philadelphia's interest in hosting the 2016 Democratic National Convention.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be delivered to Democratic National Committee Chair, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz before her March 1st, 2014 deadline as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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