Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tourism Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council amends spring tourism grants, shifts funds to established events and local boosters
Summary
After extended debate, Grants Pass council amended subcommittee recommendations and reallocated the spring 2026 tourism-promotion grants — redistributing $20,000 in lodging-tax awards among six local recipients, a 7–1 council vote.
The Grants Pass City Council on March 18 amended the grant-review panel's recommendations and reallocated $20,000 in spring 2026 tourism-promotion funding to support a mix of established and newer events.
Dana Pierce of the city's Economic Development Division had presented the grant-review subcommittee's recommendation to award the spring pot to four applicants (Craston & SeaMac Productions; Main Street Grants Pass; Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association; Hellgate Jetboat Excursions). The program, established by a prior council resolution, uses lodging-tax dollars to promote events that attract visitors from 50 miles or more and create overnight stays.
After questions about scoring weightings, past performance and the ability of applicants to demonstrate overnight visitation, councilors debated whether to favor historically proven events that generate broader collateral benefits. Councilor Victoria moved to reallocate funds to prioritize the Grants Pass Active Club (Boatnik) and split awards among long-running and newer events. The motion was amended on the floor and passed by roll call, 7–1 (Rick opposed).
The amended spring 2026 awards approved by council allocate the $20,000 lodging-tax pot approximately as follows: Grants Pass Active Club (Boatnik) — $5,000; Hellgate Jetboat Excursions — $5,000; Main Street Grants Pass (Cruise the Rogue) — $2,500; Rogue Valley Classic Cruisers — $2,500; Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association — $2,500; Grants Pass Band Boosters — $2,500. Dana told the council the subcommittee had scored 12 applications and recommended maximizing impact based on the scoring criteria (off-season draw, 50-plus-mile reach, and detailed marketing budgets).
Councilors arguing for the change cited demonstrated past returns and community benefits: "They've talked about direct funding for approximately 50 to 70 different youth organizations... continuing awarding of $10,000 plus in annual scholarships," Councilor Rob said of the Active Club's past activity, urging the council to support organizations that bring sustained local investment. Dana emphasized that the council retains final authority and that full application materials remain in the packet for review.
Staff will implement the amended awards as directed; funds are distributed as reimbursements upon submittal of eligible receipts and must fulfill lodging-tax eligibility rules. Council discussed that the broader budget process can consider increasing lodging-tax allocations in future cycles if the council so directs.
