Milwaukee Common Council passes framework agreement for 2024 RNC

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee took its final step to become a host city for the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC). The Milwaukee Common Council on Wednesday, June 1, passed the final framework agreement.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed the agreement for the RNC contract on Wednesday.

HAPPENING NOW: @MayorOfMKE is about to sign the framework agreement to host the Republican National Convention in 2024. The Common Council unanimously approved the contract this morning.

Milwaukee and Nashville are the two finalists. A final decision expected in June. @CBS58pic.twitter.com/qX8hXnjowt

— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) June 1, 2022

The RNC site selection committee has yet to choose between the two finalists, Milwaukee and Nashville.

"Now we play a waiting game," RNC Coordinator Gerard Randall said.

Johnson said Wednesday's actions put the city's best foot forward in the competition.

"We got the deal done because we worked together, we were transparent," Johnson said.

The unanimous vote comes one week after some Common Council members tried to negotiate for a $6 million deal.

The approved contract does not include a set dollar amount the city would receive for hosting. Instead, city leaders said they're relying on good-faith efforts to discuss compensation at the conclusion of the convention. 

Alderman Michael Murphy feels the city will still be fairly compensated for hosting the large political event. 

“Historically, these conventions always have money left over, and quite honestly, the Republicans have a lot more money left over than the Democrats," Murphy said.

Murphy said he recognizes why some people don't want the RNC to come to Milwaukee, but he points to the financial benefit the event will have on businesses badly burned by the pandemic.

"We know that conventions mean money for our city and for our region and for our state," Visit Milwaukee CEO Peggy Williams-Smith said. 

The convention is expected to bring in more than $200 million to the local economy, according to city leaders. They're also applying for a $50 million federal grant to cover costs, including security.

"My support of this agreement, which has been longstanding, is primarily driven by the benefits that hardworking Milwaukeeans will earn, will receive when the Republican National Convention comes right here to our city in 2024," Johnson said.

The Republican Party of Wisconsin responded to the unanimous vote Wednesday afternoon. 

“Today’s unanimous vote was yet another testament to the broad support our bid has received from elected officials across the political spectrum, the business community and the public. A 2024 Milwaukee convention would bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Wisconsin and would allow us to speak directly to America’s Heartland. No matter the outcome, we are inspired by how the Milwaukee community has come together in support of this effort, and we look forward to hearing the RNC’s final selection," WisGOP President Paul Farrow said in a statement.

A final decision from the RNC is expected to be announced in June.