Tualatin reviews tourism program; officials report $882,145 in restricted TLT funds

City staff on Nov. 24 presented a status update on Tualatin’s tourism program and how the city uses transient lodging tax (TLT) revenues.

Jill Coleman, who led the review, summarized how Washington County and local TLT collections are allocated and said the City of Tualatin’s local tax is 2.5 percent. Coleman said 30 percent of Tualatin’s TLT is unrestricted and 70 percent is restricted to tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities. "Swalton ended fiscal year 2425 with $882,145 in the restricted tourism funds," Coleman said.

Coleman outlined five key areas in the city’s tourism program—capital development, events, placemaking, visitor services and marketing—and gave examples of progress: extending the Pumpkin Regatta to multiple days, a recently updated image library, a wayfinding-signage inventory, and heritage- and culture-related projects such as the Tualatin Heritage Center. She said the Chamber of Commerce receives 5 percent of the 70 percent restricted fund because it serves as the city’s visitor center; the city currently issues quarterly checks to the Chamber under an initial contract.

Deputy City Manager Megan George said the plan, adopted about five years ago, has many actions completed and staff recommend hiring a consultant to develop a more robust strategic plan with measurable targets and timelines. George also noted the city has saved TLT over time toward a future project and is approaching the $1 million mark in those funds.

Councilors asked several questions. Councilor Brooks asked whether a visitor center focused on the Ice Age Trail and National Water Trail would fit in the plan and how interdepartmental coordination works; staff said trails and heritage assets were considered and that multiple departments (parks, communications, economic development, library) collaborate on large events. Councilor Reyes sought clarification on the $882,145 figure; staff explained that amount is an accumulated restricted balance and said the city collects about $300,000 from county collections and about $300,000 locally annually, with an estimated restricted portion of about $210,000 of those collections.

Presenters and councilors discussed ideas for a broader community events calendar and tying a tourism strategic plan to downtown revitalization and riverfront projects. Staff offered to return with further information if the council wants next steps or additional detail.