Cape Girardeau Council Votes 5-2 to Fund Tourism Study

Cape Girardeau’s City Council voted 5-2 to move ahead with a tourism study funded by local hospitality businesses, at an estimated cost of $100,000. A task force of city officials, business representatives and other community stakeholders will guide the independent review of existing attractions, possible new investments and their economic impact. The decision followed the council’s rejection of a parks department proposal to put restaurant-tax increases before voters to fund roughly $44 million in sports facility improvements, including SportsPlex expansion and new soccer fields. Parks officials cited sports tournaments as a source of substantial visitor spending, while some council members and business owners raised concerns about tax impacts and private-sector influence over the study.