HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C - Tourism Task ForceEUGENE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Work Session: Lane County Tourism Infrastructure Task Force Update
Meeting Date: February 28, 2005 Agenda Item Number: C
Department: Library Recreation and Cultural Services Staff Contact: Angel Jones
www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-6065
ISSUE STATEMENT
The Lane County Tourism Infrastructure Task Force was formed by the Lane County Board of
Commissioners (Lane BCC) in an attempt to establish the state of tourism infrastructure in the county.
In April 2004, the Lane BCC established the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Strategy Task Force and
charged it with "identifying, analyzing, and making recommendations for a strategy to develop
countywide tourism infrastructure opportunities throughout Lane County with the objective of creating
Lane County as a destination point." The Task Force was instructed to report back its findings in 10
months or less.
The presentation will lay out the recommendations of a recently published report that showcases the
preliminary results of this process as well as potential action items for the future.
BACKGROUND
· Convention and conference center discussions have been underway for many years with formal
studies dating back to 1995.
· Efforts began in Springfield three years ago to increase civic and conference space.
· Competing destinations began investing in new facilities and expansions including Portland,
Tacoma, Spokane, Salem, Newport, Corvallis, Yakima, Everett, and Kennewick.
· Discussions about new facilities and expansions are currently taking place in Medford, Roseburg,
Bend, Boise, Olympia, and Astoria.
· A "tourism summit" was requested by the Lane BCC in January 2004.
· Closure of the Clarion (Springfield) and Ramada (Eugene) hotels confirmed.
· Tourism Task Force was established by the Lane BCC in April 2004.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Not applicable.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
Option 1: Support a multi-jurisdictional effort for regional tourism similar to the one adopted by the
Lane BCC.
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Option 2: Support a modified approach to regional tourism efforts.
Option 3: Oppose multi-jurisdictional efforts for regional tourism. If this option is chosen, it would
more than likely allow for the continued erosion of Eugene and Lane County as the #2
tourism destination in the state which would hurt the City's ability to attract business and
conventions as well as reduce its ability to raise Transient Room Taxes with continued
declining hotel capacity.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends that the council support a multi-jurisdictional effort for regional tourism
similar to the one adopted by the Lane BCC (Option 1).
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to adopt a regional tourism goal to be accomplished through multi-jurisdictional cooperation:
"The City of Eugene will work with Lane County and the City of Springfield to retain our collective
positions as the largest regional hub of tourism and convention activity in Oregon outside the Portland
metro area."
Move to form an interim group to assess a structure for a permanent inter-jurisdictional entity to
establish and maintain tourism facilities and infrastructure in Lane County.
ATTACHMENTS
Copies of the presentation slides will be provided at the meeting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Angel Jones
Telephone: 682-6065
Staff E-Mail: angel.l.jones~ci.eugene.or.us
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