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Committee pursues Business Oregon grant, explores chamber and short-term rental rules
Summary
Members reviewed a Business Oregon grant for rural economic networks, discussed partnering with Nehalem Bay Health District, and considered a survey and wording strategies before proposing short-term rental changes that would affect TLT revenue collection (two-week minimum).
Mary (committee member) summarized a Business Oregon grant opportunity aimed at rural communities and small businesses that requires applicants to identify partner organizations to build a network. “They’re pushing to build a network,” Mary said, and the committee discussed potential partners such as Nehalem Bay Health District.
Kevin reported that Mark Johnson, chair of the Nehalem Bay Health District, planned to request a letter of support and zoning clarification to accompany an application; the committee agreed Kevin or Mary would follow up with him to explore partnership details.
Members also discussed establishing or joining a regional chamber of commerce (Manzanita/Nehalem/Wheeler) to centralize visitor information and fundraising. Several members noted that visitor centers in neighboring towns are often supported by transient lodging revenues (TLT/visitor lodging taxes) and recommended researching governance and funding models.
On short-term rentals, members clarified current local rules: rentals of two weeks or more trigger TLT collection, while bed-and-breakfast operations have different provisions when the proprietor is on-site and serving breakfast. The committee supported conducting a resident survey (distribution ideas: water bill insert or newsletter) before advancing any ordinance changes or ballot measures.
No formal ordinance amendments or votes were taken. Members assigned follow-up tasks: prepare a grant partnership outreach plan, research chamber governance models, and draft a short-term-rental survey for distribution.
