Council narrowly backs creating a Newport Tourism Commission to study impacts

Council considered a resolution to establish a Newport Tourism Commission that would prepare a tourism impact master plan and work with Discover Newport and the Chamber. Sponsor Councilor Smythe said the commission would provide a resident voice and help the city balance tourism benefits and neighborhood quality of life. “It will also create a master plan that going forward will enable the city to determine the impact that tourism will have on our city and how we can mitigate that,” she said.

Opponents, including several councilors, warned the commission could be redundant with Discover Newport, the Chamber and the ongoing comprehensive plan, and they questioned how much outside contractor support would be needed to produce a multi‑year plan. Concerns also centered on fiscal impact and whether the planning work could be performed through the comp plan process or existing organizations. Supporters said residents previously felt unheard on tourism and that a formal commission would provide sustained community engagement. After extensive discussion the motion passed on a close vote; the record shows a divided council with lingering differences over scope and funding.