TLT Fund Distribution Proposal Sparks Chamber Testimony to Budget Committee
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is urging Lane County leaders to preserve the original intent of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) funding (also referred to as the Transient Room Tax, or TRT) as the County is considering a proposal that would reallocate a portion of unassigned lodging tax revenue in its proposed FY2026–2027 budget.
Pre-empting a public hearing before the Lane County Budget Committee on May 5th, Springfield Chamber President and CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen submitted testimony expressing concern over a proposal to redirect unallocated TLT funds away from future tourism-related facility investment. Many of the Chamber’s partners in the hospitality and tourism industries submitted similar testimony. View the Chamber’s full testimony here.
The Chamber emphasized the importance of preserving the long-term economic development purpose behind the countywide 2% lodging tax increase implemented in 2023. The proposed budget would redirect approximately half of both existing and future TRT resources away from tourism-related facility and economic development investments. These include $4.8 million in unallocated TLT reserves for rural patrol services and an additional $1.7 million in reserves, along with one percentage point of ongoing annual TLT revenue for courthouse and law enforcement facility improvements.
“The hospitality and tourism sector supported the 2% TLT increase with the understanding that these funds would be invested to grow the tax base through tourism-related facilities and infrastructure. Maintaining consistency in how dedicated funds are used is important to the business community, as predictability in public policy decisions directly influences private-sector confidence and long-term investment.”
– Excerpt from the Springfield Chamber’s testimony to the Budget Committee, May 5, 2026
For years, the Springfield Chamber has advocated for strategic investment of lodging tax revenues into projects that strengthen Lane County’s year-round visitor economy, particularly during slower winter and “shoulder” seasons. Previous Chamber testimony has highlighted the economic importance of tourism-generating infrastructure, including sports, events, and gathering facilities capable of driving visitor spending and supporting local businesses.
Previous Chamber testimony around the TLT/TRT:
The Chamber contends that investments designed to attract visitors and economic activity create long-term benefits for the broader community by supporting jobs, local businesses, and future tax base growth. In its latest testimony, the Chamber also cautioned that redirecting tourism-focused funds toward ongoing operational expenses does not address the County’s underlying structural budget challenges.
The Springfield Chamber remains committed to working collaboratively with Lane County on solutions that both address immediate community needs and strengthen long-term economic vitality.
Read the Chamber’s full testimony to the Lane County Budget Committee here.
More About the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts
As a trusted convener and provider of business resources, the Springfield Chamber is committed to fostering policies and incentives that contribute to our competitive position in private sector job creation, retention, and economic growth. The Chamber recognizes the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provides an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. Through a robust platform of member advocacy services, the Chamber advocates for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members.
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