As Rep Javadi says, Since 2003, 70% of TLT moneys collected MUST be used for marketing tourism. He points out that overnight visitors contribute to that tax and that “day trippers” do not. And that ALL visitors use our infrastructure that needs to be maintained and paid for: water, bathrooms, roads, police, etc.
And in Tillamook County the other 30% of TLT money HAS to be used for roads.
So how do tourist communities maintain their infrastructure when they see their population double, triple and even quadruple during high tourist season?
He is co-sponsoring HB 4148 along with our Senator, Suzanne Weber, and others, which allows cities and counties to change the percentage that goes to marketing while leaving at least 40% for marketing.
This is a good start to fixing this problem. Please our legislators with your support.
Rep Cyrus Javadi
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1432
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-373, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.CyrusJavadi@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/javadi
Senator Suzanne Weber
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1716 Disrict Phone: 503-300-4493
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-405, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.SuzanneWeber@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/weber
From Rep Javadi’s newsletter:
“This is the same bill we introduced during the long legislative session in 2025. No changes. Just more support.
Senators Weber and Nerron Misslin, along with Representative Julie Walters, myself and many lawmakers are sponsoring the bill.
Now, before anyone reaches for the fainting couch about a bill that raises taxes or ruins tourism, let’s be clear about what it doesn’t do.
It doesn’t eliminate tourism promotion.
It doesn’t raid marketing budgets.
It doesn’t punish hotels, short-term rentals, or the people who make their living welcoming visitors.
It doesn’t raise taxes. It doesn’t increase rates. And, it doesn’t create a new program or a new bureaucracy.
What it does (quietly, almost modestly) is restore balance.
Cities and counties would still be required to devote at least 40 percent of lodging tax revenue to tourism-related spending. That’s more guaranteed promotion than almost any other industry receives from a consumer tax. And, this is important, if a city or county wanted to invest 100% of the tax on tourism promotion, they absolutely can.
That’s the beauty of it. Cities and counties can decide how to meet the needs of their communities. Local governments could finally use the remaining funds for what tourism actually needs to function:
Infrastructure. Public safety. Emergency services. Basic livability. In other words, the stuff that makes visitors want to come back.
So, let me say it again:
No new tax. And no rate increase. Just permission to use existing dollars honestly.
Want to read more? Find the full newsletter here: cyrusjavadior.substack.com/p/sunsets-and-sewer-pipes
Text of HB 4148
apps.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4148
The first reading is today, 2-2
olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4148