The Jewish Voice: NYC Vying to Host 2024 Democratic Nat’l Convention in Hopes of Aiding Economy

The Jewish Voice: NYC Vying to Host 2024 Democratic Nat’l Convention in Hopes of Aiding Economy

By SERACH NISSIM

May 30, 2022 

The 2024 Democratic National Convention may be held in New York City, potentially aiding the city in its economic recovery.

As reported by Crain’s NY, Mayor Eric Adam’s administration announced that the city submitted a request to host the Democratic National convention, before the May 27 deadline. “What we will say to the DNC: New York is ready to make this the smoothest, best-run and sophisticated National Convention they’ve ever seen,” said Frank Carone, chief of staff to the mayor, while he stood alongside Adams as well as leaders from the Economic Development Corp. and NYC & Company. “And we say that humbly.”

In 2016, the city had also applied to host the convention, but was denied. At that time, though, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn was offered. The 2024 bid has focused on Madison Square Garden and the Javits Center, both of which underwent complete overhauls, and boast close proximity to Times Square and the many hotels available at a walking distance.  “We have concentric, small geographic areas and some of the best hotels in the country, if not world…” said Vijay Dandapani, president of the Hotel Association for New York City. “[Hosting] would mean a huge fill-up to our business and it would underscore the point that New York is open and ready for business.”

Dandapani said the city’s hospitality industry is still recovering from the pandemic, with roughly 20,000 rooms still closed in over 100 hotels. He said the city will have many new or renovated hotel rooms added by 2024.

“Anything we can do to bring tourists into our city, to enjoy our restaurants, our hotels and our nightlife, is a win for the city,” said Jessica Walker, CEO of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican.” The Democratic National Convention is expected to brings at least 30,000 people into its host city. NYC has not hosted the DNC since 1992.

As per Crain’s, the last DNC was held in Philadelphia in 2016, and the event generated over 54,000 visitors into the city, and ushered in $230.9 million in economic activity. NY had hosted the Republican National Convention in 2004. Kathryn Wylde, CEO of the Partnership for New York City, helped plan that convention. She noted that total investments to prepare for the convention were close to $100 million, some $10 million of which the city shelled out. “The benefits are multiples of that,” Wylde said. “There’s both the direct benefits of spending in restaurants and theater and hotels, and then there’s the indirect benefit of showcasing New York City and all of its assets to the public.”