Local Festivals Ask Commission for $500,000 from Hotel/Motel Fund to Support Events

Multiple event organizers and cultural nonprofits used the public‑comment period to request larger allocations from the FY27 hotel/motel and community enhancement funds. Timmy Connley of the Special Events Collective said the coalition seeks $500,000 to support locally produced festivals and argued that events generate substantial downtown revenue relative to city investment.

"Our collective is asking for the FY27 suggested budget to be adjusted to allocate $500,000 in hotel motel funding for events," Connley said, citing the Wild Rumpus economic impact analysis that estimated $1.3 million in downtown revenue related to a $35,000 city grant. Other speakers representing Latinfest, Athens Pride and the Athens Film Festival explained that rising costs (police, dispatch, equipment) and unpredictable private sponsorships threaten event viability and urged the commission to use excess hotel/motel receipts to stabilize community programming.

Speakers recommended redirecting a modest slice of hotel/motel tax revenue—currently estimated at about $7 million for FY27—and noted there is statutory flexibility beyond the Classic Center’s required allocation. Commissioners acknowledged the requests and pointed to upcoming budget work sessions; staff and commissioners said they will consider event needs during FY27 budget deliberations and in conversations about the distribution of hotel/motel revenues.