A divided Arlington City Council votes to reduce SkyFest grant by half
After months of contentious debate over lodging tax funds, the Arlington City Council voted Monday 4-3 to reduce a grant award in half for the city’s most attended event.
As a result of the vote, SkyFest will receive $20,000 of lodging tax money from the city of Arlington instead of the recommended $39,960. Council members Michele Blythe, Yvonne Gallardo, Rob Toyer and Leisha Nobach voted for the reduction. Council members Heather Logan, Debora Nelson and Jan Schuette voted against.
The Daily Herald reported on the disagreement between members of the Arlington City Council and the city’s lodging tax advisory committee on Sept. 9. Each year, the committee recommends to the City Council how to distribute lodging tax funds to events that boost city tourism.
SkyFest, an aviation event, is the most attended and highest-grossing event in Arlington with an average annual revenue of $200,000 and 15,000 people in attendance this year, according to Barbara Tolbert, the event’s executive director.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/a-divided-arlington-city-council-votes-to-reduce-skyfest-grant-by-half/