Call the meeting north of the Wilmington City Council like to welcome all those who are with us there this evening and all those who are watching us at home.

Thank you for taking an interest in your government at this time.

I'd like to introduce Joe Michael James of the Wilmington Fire Department.

If he'll come forward and give our invocation, if everyone stand and remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Let us bow our heads of reverence.

Remind us how the decisions we make today not only affect us, but the next generation of leaders and residents.

Let us show respect and love towards each other as we share our opinions and ideas.

Give us ears to listen.

Words that are honest and a heart for the community we treasure.

As bees work in harmony for their colony.

Let us two as Women Tonius persevere in unity.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Amen.

Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

And the first one, I'm going to recognize the leadership Wilmington class of 2025.

I don't have an individual to recognize, so I'm going to recognize the entire class.

So if the entire class can come to the front, I'd appreciate it.

City Council members, why don't we join them?

These folks have spent the last six months learning about our community.

First, before we before we start, I just want to say to each and every one of you, and I've said this earlier today, thank you all for participating and being part of this class.

This is extremely important to our community.

I don't know if people understand this or know this, but every year the Chamber of Commerce puts this group together and puts a class together of citizens that want to learn more about their community, want to learn about the state, federal, our film industry, our innovation groups, how our community works, our infrastructure.

So these folks take the time out of their day and their away from their families to really get to understand and know about our community.

And I just want to say thank you for taking an active interest in your community and your government because it's extremely important.

The better informed citizens makes a better country and a better community.

And we just say thank you on behalf of the city of Wilmington for doing this.

Appreciate it, guys.

And now we'll need the recognition.

Whereas the objective of Leadership Wilmington is to educate, challenge, and motivate citizens and to develop future leaders to work for the betterment of our community.

And whereas the program consists of ten sessions to promote leadership skills, community issues, and challenges, regional social and economic change, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

And whereas the members of the Leadership Wilmington work together and individually to plan and execute a day of service for schools and nonprofits, work on Wilmington.

And whereas Leadership Wilmington is committed to providing a continuous diversify of creative leaders to the community by developing their knowledge of the region and providing them the opportunity for meaningful action.

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that the Wilmington City Council does recognize the leadership Wilmington class of 2025 and the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation for their commitment and dedication for contributing to quality of life of Wilmington and surrounding areas.

Please give these folks a big round of applause.

Thank you.

So we're going to take a picture here.

Thank you, everybody.

Thank you, everyone.

Now you have to stay for the entire meeting.

Thank you, everybody.

We'll be making a presentation of the MSD annual report.

Christina, welcome.

Hello.

Thank you, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, members of Council, good evening.

It's a pleasure to be with you here today to present our fiscal year 2024 MSD annual report.

This is for our five-year municipal services district contract with the City of Wilmington.

Fiscal year 2024 brought significant opportunities to enhance downtown's vibrancy and welcoming environment for businesses, residents, and visitors.

This report highlights key initiatives, including our MSD ambassador operations, special projects, the facade improvement grant program, and our holiday lights pilot initiative, all of which I'll detail for you today.

With approval from our MSD Advisory Committee, WDI executed strategic goals that align with our district's mission.

Our work was supported by more than $584,000 in program funding, the majority of which allocated was allocated towards our ambassadors program.

Fiscal year 2024 marked the third year of our five-year contract with our with the city of Wilmington to provide municipal district services.

Our mission remains steadfast to enhance downtown as a premier destination to invest, live, and explore.

Over the years, MSD tax revenue generated largely from downtown property values has steadily increased in tax in the tax year 2023.

We achieved a record in MSD revenue through the special use tax of 0.647 cents per 100 property valuation.

While tax year 2024 saw a slight decline of 5%, WDI continues to drive economic development in partnership with the City of Wilmington to strengthen our future tax base.

A trash removal.

In fiscal year 24, they completed major projects, including the Wilmington Convention Center right of way and the North Force Street Bridge.

These initiatives enhance their appearance.