Mississippi Development Authority; require periodic PEER review of effectiveness of Tourism Advertising Fund expenditures.
The implementation of SB2050 is expected to enhance accountability regarding the use of tourism funds in Mississippi. By requiring regular reviews and reporting, this bill aims to ensure that the advertising initiatives funded by taxpayer money are effective and aligned with the state's tourism goals. The findings from these reviews will be submitted to key state officials, including the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor, fostering greater transparency and adjustment of strategies as needed.
Senate Bill 2050 mandates the Joint Legislative Committee on Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review (PEER) to conduct a periodic review of the advertising and marketing efforts funded by the Mississippi Development Authority's (MDA) Tourism Advertising Fund. This review is scheduled for the year 2025 and will occur every four years subsequently. The bill emphasizes assessing the effectiveness of these marketing strategies in attracting out-of-state visitors, evaluating digital advertising efforts, and examining the oversight practices by MDA regarding the expenditure of the tourism advertising funds.
While the bill appears straightforward in its mission to improve oversight, some potential points of contention could arise regarding the choice of private contractors for the review and the transparency of the selection process. The authorization for PEER to contract outside parties opens discussions on the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hiring external firms rather than relying solely on legislative resources. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the adequacy of the metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing efforts, which could influence funding and future strategies in Mississippi's tourism campaigns.