Douglas County seeks applicants for new Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Douglas County is now accepting applications for a newly established Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which will advise county commissioners on how lodging tax revenues are invested in tourism, visitor-related activities, events, and economic development in unincorporated areas of the county.

County officials emphasized that the lodging tax itself is not new. It is an existing, state-authorized excise tax that Douglas County adopted locally in 2023. The new committee will provide recommendations on how those funds are distributed for the benefit of local communities.

Under state law, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee must include at least five members. The committee is required to have equal representation between businesses that collect lodging tax and organizations involved in activities eligible for lodging tax funding, along with one Douglas County commissioner who will serve as chair.

Douglas County is seeking applicants who represent qualifying businesses or organizations located in unincorporated Douglas County and who are interested in contributing to decisions related to tourism and visitor services.

Eligible applicants include licensed lodging businesses in good standing — including hotels, motels, lodges, short-term rentals and campgrounds — as well as nonprofits, agencies, or organizations that may qualify for lodging tax funding under state law.

Service on the committee is voluntary. Members will be appointed by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners.

County staff said participation on the committee offers an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to help shape how lodging tax revenues are invested in economic development and visitor-related initiatives across unincorporated Douglas County.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. More information and application materials are available through Douglas County’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee webpage.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media