Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and her aides are scheduled to travel to Las Vegas on the heels of the Democratic mayor facing intense scrutiny for traveling to the Masters golf tournament with taxpayer funds.
Event description Mayor’s public calendar She said she will be attending the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) for an “economic mission.”
“On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, Mayor Bowser will appear at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Las Vegas to promote retail expansion to the District of Columbia,” the caption reads. “This economic mission is coordinated by the Washington, D.C. Economic Partnership, which has organized the District’s presence at ICSC since 2001.”
in a press releaseMr. Bowser’s office touted the benefits of participating in ICSCS.
“We know that Washingtonians in every part of D.C. want access to great amenities. From Lidl in the 7th Ward to Wegmans in the 3rd Ward, these are conversations that started at ICSC,” said Bowser. he said.
“Through programs like the Food Access Fund and the Neighborhood Prosperity Fund, we have made great strides in closing the amenity gap, but there is still work to be done to increase accessibility and equity. It’s important to close these gaps and support the continued transformation of downtown. Make it the focus of this journey.”
Bowser will attend the meeting at Wynn Las Vegas, along with 14 other elected officials and staff.
District government representatives attending the ICSC include:
- Mayor Muriel Bowser
- Phil Mendelsohn, Chairman, District of Columbia Council
- City Councilor Colonel Kenya McDuffie
- Councilwoman Brooke Pinto, District 2
- Councilman Zachary Parker, District 5
- Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
- Beverly Perry, Senior Advisor to Mayor Muriel Bowser
- Lindsey Parker, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Executive Office
- Brian Hanlon, Director of Buildings
- Sibongil Cook, DMPED Business Development and Strategy Director
- Pam Frenzel Beim, Director of Real Estate, DMPED
- Jamie Scott, DMPED Deputy Director of Business Development and Strategy
- Sarosh Olpadwala, Office of Senior Counsel
- Chief of Staff Jonathan McNair, Congressman McDuffie
- Chief of Staff Rachel Roberts, Rep. Parker
The goals of elected officials at the conference include “extending Washington, D.C.’s brand as a premier business environment and investment opportunity.” Generate business leads to major development projects and neighborhoods in Washington, DC, including downtown. Foster business relationships and engage with new prospects, including retailers and intermediaries, for future development. and to promote unique retail and restaurant opportunities in our neighborhoods,” Bowser’s office said in a press release.
The trip comes after the Democratic mayor faced intense scrutiny over transparency over his visit to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, last month.
by Mayor’s public scheduleBowser attended the world-renowned golf tournament “as part of a sports and economic development visit.”
Her team said the mayor was invited by a major real estate company with operations in Washington, D.C.
Bowser previously defended taxpayer-funded travel to world-famous tournaments. Tell FOX5 They say they have “tried to be transparent.”
“We have tried to be transparent, so we don’t know what questions remain. We’ve made it clear – we don’t know what questions remain. If we haven’t received one, we’re expecting a bill, but we haven’t received one from EDENS yet,” Bowser told FOX 5.
Travel to the Masters Tournament costs $5,000 to $6,000 per person, Bowser said.
“…I think the estimated cost was in the range of $5,000 to $6,000. This is the cost of air travel…per person,” she told local media.
The mayor did not say how much the trip to Las Vegas would cost.
The mayor defended his taxpayer-funded trip, saying Washington, D.C. is the “sports capital.”
“Listen, for the last 15 years, including three elections as mayor, voters have trusted me to make the decisions that are best for the district. We didn’t keep it a secret,” Bowser said. “We’re a sports hub and we’re going to promote this district in every corner of the world. That’s my experience as mayor.”
FOX News has reached out to Mayor Bowser’s office, City Councilors Kenyan McDuffie, Brooke Pinto and Zachary Parker for comment.
