Council pauses vote on new Newport Tourism Improvement District after ethics, governance debate

The Newport City Council on a 6–1 voice vote moved to continue consideration of a proposed Newport Tourism Improvement District after extended debate over board makeup, liability language and whether sitting councilors should serve on the district board.

The resolution would replace the city’s existing tourism improvement arrangements with a new district proposed by Discover Newport. Councilor Napolitano said Discover Newport had amended its petition to add a community grant program, boost the city’s administrative fee and assume some legal costs. “They will be making a, they’ve added a community grant…in the amount of 5%,” Napolitano said, and the administration fee to the city would increase “from 3 to 4%.”

Why it matters: lodging businesses backed the petition and told council members the district is designed to fund year‑round marketing and workforce development to stabilize hospitality jobs. Opponents and several council members…