Economic Impact

The passage of a lodging tax was a critical step towards building long-term economic health and sustainability in Carbondale.  In fact, the ability to levy such a tax was a critical argument in favor of the creation of a “Home Rule” charter in Carbondale, passed by voters.

Benefits to Local Businesses
The 2% tax on hotel rooms provides a revenue stream dedicated exclusively to attracting visitors to Carbondale for the purpose of generating additional economic activity for the Town and its businesses.  The growth of this sector of our economy is increasingly important to local businesses who all directly or indirectly benefit in the long term from the implementation of an effective marketing program for the Town.  This new economic activity also produces tax revenues for the Town government.

How is the money spent?
The implementation of a thoughtful marketing plan, including an effective internet presence, public relations campaign, attractive printed material and the ability to respond to inquiries from potential visitors, brings customers to town businesses. The administrator of the funds is the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce.

Strong Community Support
The lodging tax has broad support in the community including the following organizations and hotels who endorsed its passage:
     Carbondale Chamber of Commerce
       Carbondale Board of Trustees
       Downtown Preservation Association
     The Comfort Inn