PROTECTING LOCAL LODGING TAX DOLLARS

Local Lodging Tax Watchdog Work: ORLA’s successful win in court at both the Circuit Court and Oregon Court of Appeals level has helped usher in a new chapter of relevance for the association in ramping up our watchdog role for our lodging members and the broader tourism industry. As a reminder, in August 2021, ORLA won a lawsuit on all counts against the City of Bend which helped cement our legal standing in holding local governments accountable for how they expend local lodging tax dollars even though ORLA itself does not collect local lodging taxes directly.​

PROTECTING TLT REVENUES FOR TOURISM PROMOTION 

In 2019, local transient lodging taxes generated more than $210 million dollars across the state. ORLA's government affairs team is working closely with our leadership teams and operators to review how local lodging taxes are being spent in jurisdictions around Oregon. Turnover within government positions just like in the private sector result in the need for ongoing education of the state rules governing local lodging taxes.

​Watch ORLA's explainer video how local lodging taxes must be expended in accordance with Oregon's state law. ​This video has proven to be a helpful resource to help educate newly appointed local elected leaders or city administrative staff so please share with your contacts whenever helpful.

Travel Oregon publishes research on transient lodging tax based on research with ECONorthwest. Read How Local Lodging Taxes are Spent in Oregon.

Watch Now: Local Lodging Tax Defined

UNPACKING HOW TLT PROMOTES TOURISM 

Looking for information on local lodging tax rates around the state? Visit Travel Oregon's industry website to access the Oregon Transient Occupancy Tax by Jurisdiction.