Oklahoma City voters will decide on a hotel tax hike. Supporters say it will bring in more tourists, but critics say it could hurt people who are having trouble finding housing.
OKC Hotel Tax Vote: Boosting Tourism or Hurting Vulnerable Residents?
According to The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City voters will soon decide whether to increase the local hotel tax from 5.5% to 9.25%. Supporters, including Mayor David Holt, say this extra money will help bring more tourists to the city by improving marketing and supporting big events.
Few people are sure about the plan. The Homeless Alliance is worried that raising the hotel tax could make it harder for people who are homeless to pay for short-term housing. Councilwoman Jo Beth Hamon thinks the proposal was made too quickly and didn’t take into account how it might affect everyone in the neighborhood.
