Visit Cook County backs voluntary workforce-housing service fee; HRA to pursue lodging partners

The Cook County Visitors Bureau unanimously approved a resolution supporting a voluntary workforce-housing service fee and encouraged lodging providers and other businesses to consider a transparent voluntary charge to raise flexible funds for workforce housing.

Jeff told commissioners he met with the Visit Cook County board and with the Chamber to propose a voluntary model similar to one used by Cascade Vacation Rentals, which adds a transparent 1% service fee at booking that is remitted to the HRA for workforce housing. Jeff said Cascade’s owner, Clare Stoddard, has agreed to accompany HRA staff to speak with decision-makers at major lodging organizations to explain how the approach works.

Jeff said the Visitors Bureau’s board voted unanimously to pass a resolution in support of the idea; he described the money as “very good, flexible money” that could be used for predevelopment costs, rent subsidies or other local needs. Cascade Vacation Rentals staff reported little or no guest pushback and said some guests proactively expressed gratitude for the option.

Commissioners discussed safeguards and transparency. One commissioner recommended that the resolution or any partnership clearly show how funds are spent and provide options for donors to direct funds to particular communities if desired. Jeff said the HRA already maintains a workforce-housing fund and that specific design choices (the fee percentage, whether funds are restricted by source or geography, or whether payments are voluntary check-offs) are negotiable with participating businesses.

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Jeff said he will continue outreach to lodging partners, the chamber and other businesses, with Clare Stoddard helping introduce the idea to potential participants. Commissioners encouraged clear public messaging and transparency about where voluntary funds would be used.