North OC Times

Visit Anaheim and the city of Anaheim have reached an agreement that involves Visit Anaheim paying $3 million to the city over the next year to resolve funding disputes that emerged during the pandemic. The settlement will see Visit Anaheim make an initial payment of $1.5 million by April 30, 2025, followed by a second payment of the same amount on April 30, 2026.

The funds will be directed to Anaheim’s general fund, supporting essential city services such as police, fire, parks, and libraries. Mayor Ashleigh Aitken stated, “I continue focusing on moving Anaheim forward... Finalizing this settlement underscores my commitment to accountability, transparency and fostering relations with community partners that share Anaheim’s values. I look forward to working with Visit Anaheim to support the growth of Anaheim’s visitor economy and all the benefits it brings to our community.”

The settlement addresses concerns stemming from a 2020 agreement in which the prior city council provided $6.5 million in funding to Visit Anaheim. This funding was aimed at maintaining Visit Anaheim operations by rescheduling postponed events at the convention center and promoting Anaheim’s tourism industry amid pandemic restrictions and recovery.

Investigations later revealed that $1.5 million of the city funding had been transferred to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce without official city approval. In 2023, Anaheim City Attorney Robert Fabela demanded the repayment of these funds.

The newly agreed $3 million payment not only covers this $1.5 million but also accounts for additional discrepancies identified by a city audit completed in late 2024. The audit found some funds exceeded the agreement as Anaheim's economy recuperated, noting Visit Anaheim benefited from $3.6 million in federal aid and tax credits.

Visit Anaheim will use operational reserves to satisfy this financial commitment, separate from funds from the Anaheim and Garden Grove Tourism Improvement Districts which support local tourism infrastructure enhancements.