The Oregon City Commission voted unanimously Wednesday evening to allocate grant funds to support community events. The grant process will span two rounds, with a total of $50,000 available.
The funds are a continuation of the City-Sponsored Public Events Program which has supported several popular events in prior years. The 1st City Celebration, Oregon Trail Brewfest and Oregon City Festival of the Arts, among others, have all received grants in the past.
Administered by the Economic Development Department, the goal of these events is to bring more attention and tourists to the community. “City Sponsored Public Events are those that help solidify the City’s brand and attract visitors from outside of the City, increasing tourism,” said Economic Development Manager James Graham.
Events should also be well publicized, benefit local businesses and maintain accountability to taxpayers. All applications will be reviewed by the City Commission.
Round One opens March 6 and closes on March 25. Round Two opens March 27 and closes May 26.
The funds for the grant are taken from the City’s lodging tax revenue. State laws require that at least 70% of lodging tax revenues must be used for tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities.
Guidelines for the program and grant applications can be found on the City’s website.
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