Council adopts TBID assessment after mixed public comment on marketing and neighborhood coverage

Twentynine Palms — The City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 25-20 on the Tourism Business Improvement District, confirming a 1.5% assessment on hotel, motel, RV and vacation-rental room rates to fund tourism marketing.

The TBID is managed by a five-member advisory board appointed by the city and is separate from the city’s transient occupancy tax (TOT). Councilmember Mintz moved approval of the resolution, which the council adopted 5-0.

At a public hearing, the TBID director (referenced by staff) outlined the district’s role and budget. Debbie Espinosa of Fine Food Bank opened the evening’s public remarks earlier with a separate proclamation on Hunger Action Month.

Local lodging owners raised concerns about how Visit 29 Palms markets properties. Stakeholder Vinod Nathraj said he reviewed more than 600 postings and “I've not seen a single one of the businesses that's west of a Rancho hotel” represented in the marketing. He told the council the additional 1.5% assessment adds to the lodging tax burden and questioned whether the program delivers value for low-occupancy properties.

Supporters, including Carlos Blanton, argued the TBID will help attract visitors and investment. The council’s adoption instructs the city to collect the assessment and allow the TBID advisory board to implement the approved tourism marketing plan.

The resolution’s adoption was recorded as a 5-0 vote. The council did not make changes to the assessment rate at the meeting; the TBID’s annual reporting requirement and advisory-board oversight remain in place.