Walker County officials are moving forward with a significant public-private partnership aimed at enhancing local tourism and economic development without placing additional financial burdens on residents. The county is set to implement a $50 million bond, backed by a newly established hotel-motel tax, to fund a convention center and related projects.

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the innovative approach to financing the project, which leverages revenue from tourism rather than taxpayer dollars. This marks a pivotal shift for Walker County, which has historically lacked a hotel-motel tax due to the absence of hotels in unincorporated areas. The introduction of this tax is expected to generate substantial revenue from visitors, allowing the county to fund the convention center and other improvements without incurring debt.

Key to this initiative is the collaboration with the Macklemore Group, which has committed to investing over $100 million and creating 180 full-time jobs in the area. The partnership is designed to alleviate pressure on local property taxes by diversifying revenue streams through tourism-related activities.

The county has also engaged Georgia Tech to conduct a financial impact study, which confirmed the project's potential benefits. As part of the agreement, 56.25% of the hotel-motel tax collected will be allocated to the convention center's operational costs, while 43.75% will fund marketing efforts to promote Walker County as a tourist destination.

Officials emphasized that this strategy not only aims to enhance local infrastructure but also to ensure that the financial burden does not fall on residents. By utilizing tourism dollars, the county hopes to stimulate economic growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the project's success.