Armidale Dumaresq was a founding member of Evocities in 2009, annually contributing $60,000 to the campaign.

Other cities under the Evocities umbrella include Tamworth, Orange, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo and Albury.

The campaign  aims to raise the credibility of member regional cities and has scored some success.

In five years, 1830 households have moved to one of the seven Evocities; more than 2533 inquiries have been lodged and 16,000 jobs promoted.

The campaign’s biggest success is its jobs website, which attracted more than 1.07 million hits.

But more money is needed to continue the campaign, according to a report before Armidale Dumaresq Council.

Cities have collectively invested $2.4 million since Evocities’ inception, with Armidale contributing $60,000 annually. 

Council officers want Armidale Dumaresq to raise this by $15,000 by 2019. 

The 8.3 per cent increase will cover inflation and  finance a more aggressive advertising schedule for Armidale.

In-kind staff support has also be requested and the matter will be debated by councillors on Monday.