Newport City Council approves additional hotel tax for tourism funding

Newport City Council has taken significant steps to enhance local tourism and address parking concerns during its regular meeting on February 12, 2025. A key decision made was the approval of an additional tax on hotel room rentals, which will not increase costs for visitors but will generate funds for local improvements and marketing efforts. Finance Director Jim Nolan clarified that the city would collect this tax, which is expected to have minimal impact on city resources, requiring only about 15 hours of work per month from the collections office.

The council also approved a residential parking ordinance on Spring Street, aimed at designating parking spaces for residents and reducing congestion caused by non-resident vehicles. This initiative was driven by resident requests and successfully met the required 65% signature threshold for implementation. Council members expressed strong support for the measure, highlighting its importance in addressing local parking issues.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the distribution of guest parking passes, particularly in relation to Airbnb rentals. A resident voiced frustrations about the current system, prompting the council to commit to addressing these issues in future discussions. The council assured that they would provide updates and work towards a solution that balances resident needs with the influx of visitors.

These decisions reflect the council's ongoing commitment to improving community services and enhancing the quality of life for Newport residents while supporting the local economy through tourism. As the city moves forward, the implementation of these measures will be closely monitored to ensure they meet the intended goals.