Latest news with #WesMullins
Axios
4 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Des Moines Pride experiences sponsorship pullback
Des Moines' Capital City Pride may lose up to $75,000 in corporate sponsorships this year — a sign of a broader national pullback during Pride Month, executive director Wes Mullins tells Axios. Why it matters: Some companies are scaling back on Pride Month sponsorships under pressure from political and cultural backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Local organizers have scrambled to fill the financial void to pull off this week's flagship Pride events. State of play: Capital City Pride filled the funding gap with new grants and record-breaking individual support from its March gala, Mullins said. He declined to identify corporate sponsors that have reduced or ended sponsorship. Between the lines: Several longtime sponsors — including Nationwide and MidAmerican Energy — are absent from this year's Capital City Pride list, per an Axios comparison of 2024 and 2025 public records. What they're saying: Nationwide declined to comment. MidAmerican Energy frequently alters its sponsorships among various organizations, and although it is not a sponsor of this year's Pride, a group of its employees will walk in the parade on its behalf, said spokesperson Geoff Greenwood. The other side: Mullins said he reminds sponsors that the LGBTQ+ community — and Capital City Pride — are worth every dollar. "I make the strong case that this is a good investment and there is no reason to fear the retribution that some worry about, but instead, more people will be proud to see your support," he said. Reality check: Many factors influence sponsorship decisions, and not being listed doesn't necessarily mean that a company no longer supports the event's mission, Mullins said. Coldwell Banker, for example, tells Axios that its 2024 sponsorship was associated with a DSM agent and office that is no longer part of the company. Yes, but: While Capital City Pride and its $600,000 event budget are not struggling this year, organizers are still seeking private donors, partly because they believe corporate donations may decline further in the coming years, Mullins said. Events like meet-and-greets with Bob the Drag Queen sold out weeks in advance. Vendor spots are nearly filled to capacity, and participation in the Pride Parade remains robust, he said. Zoom in: Teen and family programming has been expanded, and cast members from "Hamilton" will perform on the main stage as part of this week's celebrations.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Cocoa Beach could set new rules for E-bikes due to growing safety concerns
The Brief Cocoa Beach is considering new rules for e-bikes in the city. The police chief cited growing safety concerns with more kids riding them around town and no regulations currently in place. Police have recorded bikes hitting speeds of 35 miles-per-hour on city sidewalks. COCOA BEACH, Fla. - City leaders in Cocoa Beach are weighing possible regulations on electric bikes and scooters following safety concerns near schools. What we know On Thursday, Cocoa Beach commissioners were briefed by the police chief on the surge in electric bikes and scooters near schools. Police Chief Wes Mullins said his department is worried about safety for bikers and walkers. He wants the city to consider new regulations before someone gets hurt. Commissioners are considering speed limit regulations and possible citations for riders. Minuteman Causeway was the biggest concern location wise because it's close to several schools. What we don't know It's unclear when this will come up for a vote. Thursday's presentation was just a discussion. No rules were changed at the meeting. The city isn't sure if they want to enact rules citywide or in specific locations. Leaders are also debating who should be cited. If minors are on their bikes, will the police cite their parents instead? Why you should care Across the state, other cities have already enacted ordinances to manage the surge in E-Bikes. In Biscayne Bay, electric bikes are banned after a fatal collision. Miami Beach has also banned them in certain areas with a lot of pedestrians. What they're saying Public feedback reflects mixed reactions, with some calling for stronger enforcement and others supporting moderate regulation. "They have no helmets on," said Mike Brady, who's a walker in Cocoa Beach and worries about kids' safety on E-bikes. "That'll be good for the other people that's walking and riding bikes," said Andy Vanover, who rides E-bikes and supports speed limit restrictions being put in place. "I don't want to throw the book at them, but I want to start and see where we can meet in the middle," said Cocoa Beach Mayor Keith Capizzi. Walker Rebecca Valdez added, "I do think 100% they should not be on a sidewalk, and if they are caught on a sidewalk, I think they need to get a citation." Police Chief Wes Mullins briefed city commissioners Thursday on a recent surge in electric bike and scooter use. "Are we going to cite the kids? Are we going to cite the parents? How does that work?," asked Police Chief Wes Mullins to city commissioners. The Source FOX 35's Reporter Esther Bower watched the recorded city commission meeting on May 15, 2025,where the E-bike issue was discussed by the police chief. She interviewed the mayor, walkers and bike riders on May 16, 2025, on Minuteman Causeway. She also saw several students using E-bikes to get to and from school.
