I want to update residents on the city's investment in Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride and the positive return it generated.

As I mentioned in my letter to the editor about this year’s budget challenges, I believe you can't "cut your way to greatness." Strategic investment, especially in tough times when others pull back, often yields the greatest rewards. Canceling Stonewall due to lack of financial support would have been shortsighted and bad for our community.

In 2023, due to rising security costs, Stonewall incurred a loss of $114,000 and was unable to pay some of its public safety partners. These agencies were reluctant to provide services again without receiving the overdue payments. WMEG, the parent entity of the Stonewall not-for-profit, approached the city requesting a $50,000 sponsorship, in addition to our usual in-kind fee waivers, to settle these debts and be able to move forward with the event.

Recognizing the cultural and financial importance of Stonewall Pride, the city agreed to become the title sponsor under specific conditions: (1) implementing a cashless entry system at the gates, (2) requiring the organization to secure a bond to cover any future debts if losses occurred again, and (3) submitting post-event financial statements for review.

We received the profit and loss statement and were pleased to find that, despite reduced attendance due to weather and clearing past debts, the event turned a net profit of $89,000 while also delivering an experience that many considered the best yet. The mandated cashless entry system boosted reported admission revenue by $97,000, increasing from $148,000 in 2023 to $245,000 this year. As a nonprofit, Stonewall will reinvest these proceeds into community programs and events.

This success shows that even with rising public safety costs, Stonewall can operate without requiring the same level of financial investment from the city next year. Our commission has agreed to consider proposals from other community organizations interested in producing Stonewall 2024. Last year's financial success provides a blueprint for those organizations interested in submitting a bid and will serve as a baseline for how our commission evaluates their proposals. Ideally, I hope the city can go beyond just issuing an event permit and instead become a partner, sharing both expenses and revenues. By aligning the city’s and Stonewall’s interests towards providing the best event experience for attendees at the lowest responsible operating cost, we all stand to benefit.

-Chris Caputo, Wilton Manors City Commissioner

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