Vote June 18
The primary election on June 18, 2024 will include a proposition to increase the Edmond Lodging Tax from 4% to 6%.
PROPOSITION NO. 1
Shall the
City of Edmond, State of Oklahoma, be authorized to levy and assess an
additional two percent (2%) lodging excise tax, also referred to as "visitor tax", in addition to any and all other excise taxes now in force,
upon the rental of lodging rooms within the City of Edmond; all taxes collected
shall be set aside and used exclusively for the purpose of encouraging,
promoting and fostering convention and tourism for the City of Edmond, as more
specifically set out in Ordinance No. 3987 of said City?
Shall the City of Edmond, State of Oklahoma, be authorized to levy and assess an additional two percent (2%) lodging excise tax, also referred to as "visitor tax", in addition to any and all other excise taxes now in force, upon the rental of lodging rooms within the City of Edmond; all taxes collected shall be set aside and used exclusively for the purpose of encouraging, promoting and fostering convention and tourism for the City of Edmond, as more specifically set out in Ordinance No. 3987 of said City?
— Lodging tax revenue generates more sales tax dollars by encouraging visitors to dine and shop in Edmond. Sales tax funds amenities like streets, parks, trails and attractions to improve citizens' quality-of-life. —
How will this impact me, a citizen of Edmond?
The lodging tax is only charged for overnight stays in Edmond. Citizens will not pay
this tax unless they spend the night in a hotel, bed & breakfast or
vacation home. Tourism is an important component in generating sales tax
revenue and growth in Edmond. When individuals and groups spend nights in
Edmond, they also shop, dine and play which increases city sales tax revenue.
This revenue improves citizens' quality-of-life.
The lodging tax is only charged for overnight stays in Edmond. Citizens will not pay this tax unless they spend the night in a hotel, bed & breakfast or vacation home. Tourism is an important component in generating sales tax revenue and growth in Edmond. When individuals and groups spend nights in Edmond, they also shop, dine and play which increases city sales tax revenue. This revenue improves citizens' quality-of-life.
History of the lodging tax:
Edmond City Council approved on March 11 filing to place on the ballot
an increase of the Edmond Lodging Tax rate from 4% to 6%. This would be the
first increase in 30 years and funds Visit Edmond to promote the city as a
destination and attract,
retain and sustain conferences and events for
visitors. The current rate of 4% has not increased since it began in 1994.
Edmond City Council approved on March 11 filing to place on the ballot an increase of the Edmond Lodging Tax rate from 4% to 6%. This would be the first increase in 30 years and funds Visit Edmond to promote the city as a destination and attract, retain and sustain conferences and events for visitors. The current rate of 4% has not increased since it began in 1994.
How much will this cost visitors?
Lodging tax is charged for overnight stays in Edmond's 13 hotels, one bed
& breakfast and more than 150 vacation homes. For
example, one overnight stay costing $100, the tax charge would increase from $4 to
$6.
Lodging tax is charged for overnight stays in Edmond's 13 hotels, one bed & breakfast and more than 150 vacation homes. For example, one overnight stay costing $100, the tax charge would increase from $4 to $6.
How does Edmond's lodging tax compare to surrounding cities?
Edmond's 4% tax rate is the lowest in the
metropolitan area. In comparison, the current Edmond tax rate is lower than
other metro cities:
Edmond's 4% tax rate is the lowest in the metropolitan area. In comparison, the current Edmond tax rate is lower than other metro cities:
— For an overnight stay costing $100, the lodging tax would only add $2 to your stay. —
How much revenue will a lodging tax increase generate?
An increase from 4% to 6% is estimated to
generate an additional $500,000 annually for tourism development opportunities.
Revenue from the visitor tax will be used by Visit
Edmond to market Edmond as a destination and attract new meetings and events to
increase economic impact.
An increase from 4% to 6% is estimated to generate an additional $500,000 annually for tourism development opportunities. Revenue from the visitor tax will be used by Visit Edmond to market Edmond as a destination and attract new meetings and events to increase economic impact.
How is lodging tax revenue utilized?
Lodging Tax revenue funds Visit Edmond and its
efforts to promote Edmond, which include:
- Marketing Edmond as a destination along Route 66 for visitors.
- Utilize new branding, website and social media
- Leverage advertising dollars to target regional/national visitors
- Provide sponsorships to attract, retain and sustain conferences and events.
- Recruit regional and national meetings that attract overnight stays
- Promote arts, film and music to make Edmond a fun place to visit
- Develop and implement a robust sports tourism strategy to promote Edmond facilities as a destination for local, regional and national sports tournaments.
- Partner with upgraded city sports facilities like KickingBird Golf, Service Blake Soccer Complex and A.C. Caplinger ballfields to attract, retain and sustain tournaments
- Collaborate with award-winning Edmond Center Court to host United States Tennis Association (USTA) tennis tournaments
- Support University of Central Oklahoma to retain and elevate the OSSAA State High School Football Championships
- Assist in attracting Lazy E Arena sporting events that bring athletes for week-long competitions that sleep, shop and dine in Edmond
- Sponsor the U.S. Senior Open at Oak Tree National in 2027.
* Victus Sports Facilities
Report encouraged the development of sports tourism effort to capture more
sports visitor opportunities
Lodging Tax revenue funds Visit Edmond and its efforts to promote Edmond, which include:
- Marketing Edmond as a destination along Route 66 for visitors.
- Utilize new branding, website and social media
- Leverage advertising dollars to target regional/national visitors
- Provide sponsorships to attract, retain and sustain conferences and events.
- Recruit regional and national meetings that attract overnight stays
- Promote arts, film and music to make Edmond a fun place to visit
- Develop and implement a robust sports tourism strategy to promote Edmond facilities as a destination for local, regional and national sports tournaments.
- Partner with upgraded city sports facilities like KickingBird Golf, Service Blake Soccer Complex and A.C. Caplinger ballfields to attract, retain and sustain tournaments
- Collaborate with award-winning Edmond Center Court to host United States Tennis Association (USTA) tennis tournaments
- Support University of Central Oklahoma to retain and elevate the OSSAA State High School Football Championships
- Assist in attracting Lazy E Arena sporting events that bring athletes for week-long competitions that sleep, shop and dine in Edmond
- Sponsor the U.S. Senior Open at Oak Tree National in 2027.
* Victus Sports Facilities Report encouraged the development of sports tourism effort to capture more sports visitor opportunities
How will additional revenue be utilized?
Additional lodging tax revenue will help Visit Edmond partner with facilities to bring NEW events, for example:
- NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships that will be held in May
2027 and the NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Tennis championships
happening at the same time.
- Small College Basketball Classic, Division 2, 3 and NAIA (12 teams) in Fall, 2025.
Additional lodging tax revenue will help Visit Edmond partner with facilities to bring NEW events, for example:
- NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships that will be held in May 2027 and the NCAA Division II Men's and Women's Tennis championships happening at the same time.
- Small College Basketball Classic, Division 2, 3 and NAIA (12 teams) in Fall, 2025.
List of venues/locations that will benefit
