Twentynine Palms council renews TBID, approves 1.5% assessment for 2025–26

The City Council of the City of Twentynine Palms voted 5-0 to continue the city’s Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and adopt Resolution No. 28 to levy a 1.5% assessment on overnight stays for fiscal year 2025–26.

The TBID, which markets the city as a destination under the parking and business improvement area law of 1989, presented an annual report and a proposed budget that relies on reserves to sustain marketing and an event grant program amid a soft travel year.

Brianne (TBID representative) told the council the TBID was established in 2017 as a private partnership between the city and lodging partners and is funded by a 1.5% assessment on hotel, vacation-rental and RV-resort overnight stays. She said the TBID has seen mixed performance in 2024: a 4% year-over-year increase in the October–December quarter but an 8% decline in the January–March quarter driven mainly by a drop in vacation-rental inventory. Year‑to‑date assessment collections through three quarters totalled $293,000, a roughly 2.5% decrease from the prior year, Brianne said.

The TBID presented a proposed FY 2025–26 plan that forecasts $350,000 in assessment revenue supplemented by $200,000 in reserves for a total budget of $557,500. Planned expenditures listed to the council total about $547,000 and include $150,000 for an event sponsorship and grant program, $170,000 for broader marketing and paid advertising, and $218,000 for operations and administration (including staff and contract services). The board also signaled interest in a structural conversion from the 1989 law to what staff described as a "94 law," which would create five‑year terms and require a five‑year management district plan.

Rakesh Mehta, identified during the presentation as the TBID board chair and owner/operator of the SureStay by Best Western, and Liz Schickler of the 29 Palms Inn were introduced as volunteer advisory board members who help set TBID priorities.

Councilmembers had no substantive questions during the presentation. After the motion to continue the district and adopt Resolution No. 28, the council voted in favor: Councilwoman Ramirez — Aye; Councilmember Wright — Aye; Councilmember Scott — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Mintz — Aye; Mayor Bilderink — Aye. The motion carried 5-0.

Following the vote, TBID representatives and council members described continued marketing and event work as important to capture future travel demand when visitation improves.

Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 28 (TBID continuation and levy) — adopted 5-0.