During a recent Atascadero City Council meeting, a resident expressed deep concern over personal losses and offered a $10,000 reward for information related to their situation. The council acknowledged the resident's distress and committed to having law enforcement follow up with them for additional support.

The meeting transitioned to a marketing update presented by Community Services Director Terri Banish, who highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to promote Atascadero and its tourism initiatives. Banish reported that the city has successfully organized 40 events in 2024, including long-standing traditions like Colony Days and newer attractions such as the Cornhole Tournament. The marketing strategy focuses on increasing visitor engagement through various channels, including social media and traditional advertising.

Ashley Akers, Chief Strategy Officer of Virta Marketing, provided insights into the county's tourism performance, noting a slight decrease in transient occupancy tax (TOT) revenue but a 7.5% increase in Atascadero's TOT compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to a rise in short-term rentals, which saw a 23% increase. Akers emphasized the importance of tourism for local economic development and job creation.

The council also discussed a proposed increase in the Atascadero Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) assessment from 2% to 2.5%. This increase aims to fund improvements to local infrastructure, including the zoo and event spaces, enhancing the visitor experience. The council plans to hold public meetings to gather feedback from lodging owners before finalizing the assessment.

Overall, the meeting underscored Atascadero's commitment to fostering community engagement through events and tourism while addressing the needs of residents and local businesses.