Tallying up the costs tied to the RNC in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Organizers of the Republican National Convention paid $3 million to the Charlotte Hornets over the summer to end their contract after President Donald Trump opted to move the event to Florida, according to newly filed financial disclosure forms.

That expense was among the notable costs borne by CLT Host 2020, the nonpartisan nonprofit created to raise money for the political convention. Originally scheduled for Aug. 24-27, the RNC instead was shortened to one day — Aug. 24 — and the remaining days that were to have been staged in Florida were canceled because of the pandemic and security concerns.

CLT Host 2020 raised $44.8 million and spent $38.1 million, according to the disclosure. About half of the remaining balance of $6.7 million has been committed to local philanthropic and economic development campaigns. John Lassiter, CEO of the local host committee, said this week that $8 million out of $20 million spent with regional companies — or 40% — went to businesses owned by women, minorities and veterans.

Read the full story here for details on how money raised by the committee has been spent.

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