Agenda Date: 10/04/2022
Subject:
Title
Resolution 59-2022: Confirming city council's support of a Yes vote on Ballot Issue 3B seeking voter approval of a 5% lodger's tax to fund arts, culture, and tourism
Body
From:
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager
Prepared by:
Kathleen Osher, Community Services Director
PURPOSE:
Does council wish to execute a resolution in support of Littleton Ballot Issue 3B?
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): Reid Betzing, City Attorney
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
The Colorado Fair Campaign Practices Act (FCPA) allows the City Council to pass a resolution voicing their position on any ballot measure referred to the voters. City Council referred ballot measure 3B to the voters on August 16, 2022.
The council has explored asking voters to consider a Lodger's Tax with the proceeds directed to arts, culture, and tourism since 2016 through the bi-annual resident survey, showing strong resident support. In 2019 council created the Littleton Arts and Culture Commission who created and presented a Strategic Plan and Work Plan to council in 2021, including an objective to identify sources of revenue to fund the arts. In 2021 council adopted Goal 5: Arts, Culture, and Tourism and in 2022 council re-affirmed this goal and provided direction for staff to further study a potential Lodger's Tax.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
On August 16, 2022, at a regular meeting, city council voted seven (7) to zero (0) to submit to the registered electors of the City of Littleton a ballot measure seeking voter approval of a 5% lodger's tax to fund arts, culture, and tourism.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
One of the city council's eight goals, initially adopted in 2021 and again for 2022-2023, is Arts, Culture, and Tourism. A Lodger's Tax has been discussed for quite some time with the proceeds dedicated to providing a steady revenue stream to support Arts, Culture, and Tourism. The Arts and Culture Commission has included support for a Lodger's Tax a...
Click here for full text