Local Advocacy

Operating now under the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association (ORLA), the policy committee and GA team continue to monitor local initiatives throughout the state, representing the industry before city and county governments and fighting ordinances that are outside of the scope of state law that clearly defines appropriate allocations of room tax revenues. In some cases, this may include litigation. If you are facing room tax issues in your city or county, contact ORLA's GA team at 503-682-4422.

Current advocacy efforts ORLA is engaged on:

Yachats - City Council considering how to pay for city library, museum and “commons.”  ORLA  policy committe and GA team are considering the City’s proposed use of money as it relates to state law obligating existing TRT collections for use in tourism promotion or for tourism related facilities.

La Grande - City Council recently took action to fill a hole in city parks budget with monies that have historically been used to fund Union County Tourism.  ORLA is considering the City’s proposed use of money as it relates to state law obligating existing TRT collections for use in tourism promotion or for tourism related facilities.

Portland - City of Portland Private for Hire Board recently held a work session to consider for hire transportation issues outside hotels (taxi, towncars, shuttles).  ORLA provided testimony on behalf of Portland hotels, and continues to work with City regulatory staff in sorting through the issues being brought forward by various interests.  

Jacksonville - City Council continues to challenge the position of the Jacksonville Chamber in providing visitor services for the City.  Most recent discussions include an effort to make the promotion effort a responsibility of city staff position rather than through agreement with NGO.  ORLA continues to monitor this issue and encourage the City to work with the entity that will provide local business with the best ROI and most effective marketing plan possible.


Existing as a separate entity, Tri-County Lodging Association (TCLA) works to improve and enhance the image of lodging and hospitality businesses, and strives to improve business conditions in the lodging and hospitality industries in Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah counties. For more information on Tri-County Lodging Association, visit the website or download a brochure.
 

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