COLUMBUS, Ohio – Those trying to attract a major political convention to Columbus in two years emphasized traffic and restaurants in their bid to the Democratic National Committee.
The committee says it will consider six cities to hold the party’s presidential nominating convention in 2016. In addition to Columbus, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia Phoenix and Birmingham, Ala. are under consideration, says Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the Florida congresswoman who leads the DNC.
“Hosting a national political convention will command the eyes of the world on Columbus,” Mayor Michael Coleman said.
The convention is expected to cost about $60 million but officials working to bring it to Columbus say it could draw as many as 45,000 people and pump $150 to $200 million into the economy of Central Ohio.
The 300-page bid submitted on Friday includes letters of support and answers to planning questions about the city’s hospitality, security and transportation infrastructure. Officials say it emphasizes the city’s ease of transportation, walkability districts, food and event infrastructure: hotel, convention center, arena and event space.
A group of DNC officials will evaluate the cities and make site visits as the committee considers its options. A decision is not expected until late this year or early 2015.