US EditionOregon lawmakers consider raising lodging tax to fund wildlife protection
- Oregon lawmakers are considering House Bill 2977 to raise the state lodging tax by 1% to fund wildlife conservation efforts in 2025.
- Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife has historically received limited funding for species conservation efforts, relying on requests to the Legislature every two years to secure general fund support.
- The lodging tax, currently 1.5%, generates about $40 million annually and impacts hotels, short-term rentals, and campgrounds across Oregon, with some bills proposing to redirect portions to community infrastructure.
- Supporters emphasize that healthy wildlife and nature attract tourists supporting over 200,000 jobs, while opponents worry that higher taxes could increase lodging costs and reduce tourism competitiveness.
- If approved by three-fifths of the Legislature, the tax increase could raise up to $30 million yearly for conservation and habitat programs, potentially strengthening Oregon’s wildlife recovery and management efforts.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The News-Review
philomathnews.comProposal to raise lodging tax by 1% could bring in $30 million annually for wildlife protection
Oregon lawmakers are considering a proposal to increase by 1% a state tax on hotel, camping and Airbnb stays that would raise up to $30 million a year for state wildlife conservation.
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Proposal to raise lodging tax could bring in $30 million annually for wildlife protection • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood in April 2024. Visitors to the historic hotel pay a 1.5% lodging tax to fund Oregon's tourism commission. A proposal being considered by lawmakers would raise the tax 1% to help fund statewide conservation work. (Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Oregon lawmakers are considering a proposal to increase to 2.5% a state tax on hotel, camping and Airbnb stays that would raise up to $30 million a year for state w…
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