Destination Ann Arbor is inviting residents to attend a town hall meeting to discuss how Washtenaw County can be made more attractive to visitors.
The August 28 meeting is in support of the tourism nonprofit's project called Washtenaw 2030: A Destination Master Plan.
"The project came about because we knew that in the next few years we would need to take a strong look at what our assets are today, what we want to look like, and what we need to do to get there in the next 10 years," says Mary Kerr, president and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor.
Participants can expect the evening to start with a brief presentation outlining the master plan project, after which everyone will break out into smaller groups to identify what’s working in the county and areas of future opportunity. Destination Ann Arbor previously held a town hall meeting for the project in June, but this will be the final such meeting.
Areas that will be examined include infrastructure, transportation, dining and events, sports and recreation, and arts and culture.
"The hope is to get a clear picture of how we look to visitors and determine how well we are prepared to receive visitors," Kerr says.
Destination Ann Arbor is most interested in feedback and ideas related to three of the organization's key strategic goals: increasing the number of visitors to the county, increasing their length of stay, and increasing the amount of money they spend.
"I think it’s very important to take a look at everything from the community’s standpoint and get everyone involved," Kerr says. "... Everything we have that’s attractive to visitors is part of everyone’s quality of life here in Washtenaw County."
The meeting will take place on August 28 from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, 3200 Boardwalk Dr. in Ann Arbor. Those who are interested in attending should RSVP here.
Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder is a freelance writer and editor currently in based in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jaishreeedit@gmail.com.
Photo courtesy of Destination Ann Arbor.
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