Help us build a better community!

One of the purposes of Sigma Alpha Iota is to further the aims of music in our schools and communities; hence, Iota Lambda has stepped up to the challenge of assisting a large-scale project for our alma mater. We urge you to take the time to read and understand the proposition we are supporting. We need your help to turn our dream into a reality!

Mizzou and its School of Music desperately need your support. Currently, state legislators are reviewing a resolution that would authorize MU to enter into a 50-year land lease for construction of a hotel and conference center in Columbia. We need voters to write to their legislators in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate, expressing their support for this project.

How will this hotel and conference center benefit music at Mizzou?

The 50-year land lease arrangement will provide revenues that MU plans to use for construction of a performing arts center on adjacent property (this property being at the corner of Stadium Blvd. and College Ave.). The hotel would be owned and operated by the private developer. The facility and the resulting performing arts center would spur increased conference and tourism business for central Missouri. A private fundraising campaign will generate remaining funds for the center and no state funds will be requested. This is a high priority in the University's master plan and would provide needed instruction and performance space for the School of Music and Departments of theatre and Art. A number of potential donors have expressed an interest in supporting this facility and no state funds would be required for construction. This costs taxpayers NOTHING!

But, by nothing, do you really mean NOTHING?

Yes, that is the fabulous part! Passing this resolution will allow MU to enter a long-term lease of land with a private developer. The university will issue a request for proposals for up to 7 acres of land and any private developer may respond to the request. The University will not run the hotel or subsidize its operation. Proceeds from the lease arrangement will be applied toward costs of constructing the Performing Arts center, with the remainder of the cost made up through private donations. Currently, MU pays no state, county or local property taxes on the land, but with this project the hotel owner will pay all applicable taxes. It is estimated the property tax alone would be $400,000.00 per year (and that's not including room tax, utility tax, and sales tax)! It will spur additional economic development by increasing conference and tourism business for central Missouri.

If it's such a great plan, why hasn't it passed already?

There are two reasons why this proposal faces difficulty.

The bill is unfortunately intertwined with the controversy over changing the name of Southwest Missouri State University to Missouri State University. Many MU alumni and supporters oppose that name change.
MU is not legally able to hire lobbyists for this effort. However, Holiday Inn Executive Center, another hotel and convention center in Columbia, is allowed to hire them. Holiday Inn is afraid of a competitor coming into the Columbia area; currently, they hold the monopoly on conference space in the area, and a new convention center equals competition for business that they are practically guaranteed.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

You can write your legislators in support of the MU land lease. You can ask any registered voter in the state of Missouri to do the same. Each and every bit of support we can rally will help this cause.

Don't know who your legislators are??? Try this link…