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Twentynine Palms council renews TBID assessment, adopts Resolution No. 28
Summary
After a presentation on marketing results and a proposed FY25–26 budget, the council voted 5–0 to continue the city—s 1.5% Tourism Business Improvement District assessment and adopt Resolution No. 28 to levy the fee for the coming year.
The Twentynine Palms City Council voted 5—to—0 on a motion to continue the city—s Tourism Business Improvement District (branded Visit 29 Palms) and adopt Resolution No. 28, preserving the 1.5% assessment on overnight stays for fiscal year 2025——026.
Brianne, representing the TBID, presented an annual report and budget proposal, telling the council the district had collected $293,000 through the first three quarters, a 2.5% decline year over year, with a first quarter gain of 4% and a subsequent quarter down 8% driven by lower vacation-rental inventory. "We are seeking your approval, and also ultimately looking for adoption of a resolution which would allow our 1.5% TBID assessment fee to continue on to next year," Brianne said.
The presentation outlined recent tourism and lodging trends, noting two new hotels added a combined 77 rooms and drove increased media coverage that helped lift the city—s profile. Brianne described the TBID as a private partnership funded entirely from the 1.5% assessment on hotel, vacation rental and RV resort stays and said the TBID— proposed FY25—6 planning assumes $350,000 in assessment revenue.
Budget allocations included $150,000 proposed for the TBID— event sponsorship and grant program, $170,000 for paid marketing and social media, and $218,000 for operations and administration (including staff salary and contract services). Brianne also said the advisory board is exploring a structural conversion of the district from the "parking and business improvement area law of 1989" model to a 1994 law that would require a five-year management plan and five-year terms; she said that conversion process has been paused pending broader planning and council alignment.
Councilmember (speaker 7) moved to adopt Resolution No. 28; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Wright and approved by unanimous voice vote. Mayor Bilderink recorded the result as approved 5—to—0.
The council thanked TBID board members for the marketing and event work and encouraged continued coordination on advertising and event sponsorships that the TBID said are intended to drive overnight visitation and direct referrals to local businesses. The council did not alter assessment rates during the action; the assessment and the proposed allocations will guide the TBID— work for the next fiscal year.
