TransMAC members discuss idea to direct new tourism tax revenue toward transportation

Summary

Commissioners briefly discussed a proposed tourism/transportation tax (a potential new levy on short‑term rentals/hotel rooms) that could dedicate tourist dollars to local transportation projects; members requested more legislative language and industry stakeholder positions before considering any formal commission support.

During the Nov. 13 meeting commissioners raised a countywide funding idea: a proposed tourism‑focused transportation tax that would dedicate additional tourist tax (TDT/bed‑tax) revenue to transportation investments. Commissioners said the proposal lacked legislative language and formal industry backing at the time of the meeting and asked staff and commissioners to seek more information from stakeholders such as hospitality industry groups before the commission takes any position.

Chair and members noted that if the measure were to be proposed at the state level, industry support from hotel and resort groups would likely influence the legislative prospects. Commissioners said they are open to exploring options that direct visitor contributions to transportation safety and capacity, but emphasized they need more detail and a formal request to take an advisory position.