Yes on Longmont Issue 2B

Here's a preview of the upcoming election issue of the Yellow Scene, with my thoughts on Longmont's request to tap into the wallets of overnight guests:

Soaking out-of-towners for tourism promotion funding is so common it’s surprising the idea took this long to get on the ballot in Longmont. 2B would create a 2% lodgers tax on hotel room rentals – 2 bucks for every $100 spent. This isn’t enough to deter tourists or convention organizers, and the money raised would cycle back to the Longmont Area Visitors Association staff and programs to entice more visitors. Those visitors tend to eat, shop and otherwise leave even more money in town, and it is already demonstrated that each $1 spent on promoting Longmont has brought back $13.52 in tourist spending. The tax would bring in about $300,000/yr and if it is allocated properly will show a strong return down the road.

Vote Yes on Longmont Ballot Issue 2B.