The Summit County Council meeting on June 28, 2023, focused on significant developments in the local tourism and lodging sectors, particularly concerning the impact of new commercial and lodging spaces in the Mayflower area. Council members discussed the introduction of 1.1 million square feet of new lodging and retail space, which is expected to add approximately 3,000 new beds to the tourism market.

Concerns were raised about the competitive threat this expansion poses to existing establishments in Park City. Council members noted that while new accommodations may attract visitors, there is uncertainty regarding how this influx will affect local lodging rates and overall tourism revenue. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding how visitor spending flows through the community, particularly regarding transient room tax (TRT) collections, which are vital for local funding.

The council plans to engage in a strategic planning process to address these challenges and develop proactive strategies for managing the impacts of the new developments. Additionally, the council is reviewing regulations surrounding nightly rentals to potentially increase TRT collections from this sector. While data from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO is available, there is a lack of clarity regarding short-term rentals that do not use these platforms, indicating a need for improved tracking and collaboration with local lodging associations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to navigating the evolving tourism landscape and ensuring that local businesses can thrive amid new competition.