Tourism board approves formal TRT funding application form for 2026, pending legal review

The Moab Tourism Advisory Board unanimously approved a formal funding application process for Transient Room Tax distributions for the 2026 cycle on June 10, 2025. The boards motion approves the Grand County funding application form subject to legal review and asks staff to publish the process and timeline for applicants.

"Make a motion that we approve the Grand County, Utah, funding application. Pending legal review," said Alex as the meeting moved to a vote. Howard seconded the motion. Board members voted in favor and the chair called the vote unanimous.

Members discussed timeline and outreach: several suggested the application and funding recommendation calendar align with county budget season so that requests can be considered for the 2026 budget. Board members proposed a target of drafting the recommendation letter and having applications available in summer, with one board member recommending an October decision point tied to budgets; others said applications should be ready earlier (August) to allow departments and organizations time to prepare.

The board asked staff to run the form by the county attorney for legal review and to coordinate distribution and advertising so that departments, nonprofits and eligible applicants know the process. Staff said the form will be refined and returned to the board for additional comment before widespread publication.

The boards action creates a standardized process for grant and mitigation requests supported by TRT funds for the 2026 cycle; final distribution decisions remain the boards recommendation to the County Commission and depend on reconciled fund balances.