Lodging group seeks to extend assessment
The never-ending discussion of tourism in Healdsburg continues next week.
Under an agreement with the city, local lodging establishments collect an extra two percent on every dollar spent by visitors to stay in the community.
The Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District, formed in 2013, is overseen by a group of lodging industry managers and is seeking a renewal of the district.
The HTID proposes to continue using 60 percent of the funds for tourism promotion, but is also offering to dedicate 20 percent to benefit nonprofits in the community in addition to paying the city and the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce administrative fees.
Lodging industry advocates argue that the funds are essentially a self-assessment and that promoting tourism trickles down into the community in charitable donations, sales tax, visitor spending and jobs.
Opponents argue that the funds can be better spent on housing and other needs.
The Healdsburg City Council is holding two hearings this month, Nov. 6 and 20, both at 6 p.m. at Healdsburg City Hall.
