ICYMI: AAHOA, ORLA Monitor Proposed Use of Hotel Tax Revenue by City of Salem

The City of Salem, OR, has found an alternate solution to its initial plan to use transient lodging tax dollars for library funding gaps. Instead, it will use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. AAHOA (Asian American Hotel Owners Association) and ORLA (Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association) proactively watch attempts from local municipalities to use protected lodging tax dollars for purposes other than tourism.

Had the city decided to use money from hotel taxes as initially discussed, it would have directly impacted hotel owners and their businesses, potentially limiting funds available for tourism initiatives to attract more guests. The city plans to use monies from its Cultural and Tourism Fund, which comprises transient lodging tax and ARPA funds.

"AAHOA and ORLA were proactive in ensuring appropriate use of the Transient Lodging Tax in the City of Salem," said Taran Patel, AAHOA Northwest Regional Director. "This is a great example of the importance of AAHOA Members being active in advocacy at the local levels of government."

Read the full press release