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Council allocates long‑unspent transit guest tax funds to NoDo Arts district
Summary
Council approved a motion to allocate $52,000 (unallocated TGT funds) to the North Topeka Arts & Entertainment District (NoDo) after staff and the Transit Guest Tax committee vetted the application; council emphasized the funds are paid by hotel visitors, not the general fund.
The governing body approved on May 13 the Transit Guest Tax (hotel/motel tax) committee’s recommendation to allocate previously unallocated Transit Guest Tax (TGT) funds to the North Topeka Arts & Entertainment District (NoDo).
Why it matters: Transit guest tax revenue is intended to support tourism and visitor programming; allocating the funds to NoDo aims to support arts programming that attracts visitors and “beds in heads” for Topeka hotels.
Budget and committee background: Committee chair Councilwoman Hofer explained that about $52,000 had remained unallocated in one TGT fund since 2016. NoDo submitted an application patterned after past awardees; staff vetted the application and the TGT committee voted to recommend appropriation of the funds to NoDo for events and programming similar to prior recipients (e.g., Jayhawk Theater, Evergy Plaza programming).
Council discussion and vote: Deputy Mayor Cal reminded the governing body that the TGT is supported by hotel guests and is not the general fund. Council members and NoDo representatives described intended activities and the district’s outreach to visitors. The motion carried with a recorded vote of 10 yes; council members present voiced support and NoDo representatives said the funds would be used to enhance visitor programs and community events.
Ending: Staff will execute the allocation and monitor the NoDo program for compliance with TGT usage rules.
