Tulsa voters to decide on proposed hotel guest tax increase
Tulsa voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a hotel tax increase from 5% to 9.9% to fund public venues like the BOK Center and Arvest Center.
Tulsa voters will cast ballots Nov. 3 on an election measure to adjust lodging rates. The proposal would raise the current fee from 5% to 9.9% to fund public venues.
Supporters said the plan would generate an estimated $20.6 million each year. Later figures project about $26 million annually for venue improvements. The existing rate has not changed in more than 40 years.
The money would help fund several public venues:
- BOK Center
- Arvest Convention Center
- Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Local tourism leaders said the city must keep pace with regional markets. Brian Paschal serves as the chief executive officer of the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation.
“It’s critical that we keep pace with other communities in our region and around the country. Unfortunately, however, as it currently stands, we are not keeping pace.”
Paschal said the city risks losing concerts, conventions and tournaments. Other competing destinations have invested heavily in their facilities.
Supporters said the revenue encourages tourism and aids local shops. They noted that visitors help preserve historic properties across Tulsa.
Macy Snyder-Amatucci is the CEO of Beautiful Hospitality. She owns the Mayo Hotel. She said tourism made the building’s restoration possible.
“If it were not for tourism, we would not be here today.”
The Mayo Hotel first opened its doors in 1925. It sat empty for nearly three decades starting in the 1980s. Her family bought it in the early 2000s and renovated it.
Lillian Lester and her daughter, Elizabeth Cail, traveled from Edmond. They visited the Greenwood District during their trip. Both supported the idea of visitors funding local sites.
“Buildings like these need a lot of upkeep, especially the historical ones and to keep them as beautiful and working as they are, I think that’s more than fair for people visiting to help.”
Cail said preserving older landmarks makes the community appealing. Municipal lodging rates typically apply to visitors staying in commercial hotels or short-term rentals. Residents do not pay these assessments unless they rent local rooms.
Tulsa voters will make their final decision on the rate Nov. 3.
