October 21, 2020 3:45 a.m.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Roseburg is suspending the Tourism Grant Program for this fall and winter.

A release said the program will be re-evaluated next spring, after which staff will make a determination on continuing the grant cycle.

The program, which would normally be open in November, is funded by the hotel and motel room tax. The tax is collected quarterly from lodging establishments within the City limits. Due to a significant decrease in these tax collections, the City has suspended the program until sufficient funds can become available.

Community Development Director Stuart Cowie said staff is sad to see the program postponed because of the pandemic. He said, “…it is our hope that once the lodging industry bounces back, the program can return to provide funding support for events, promotions, and other projects that market our area to visitors”.

The release said the program provides grants to local organizations that help market Roseburg as a tourism destination. The funding cycle is done twice per year, the first one occurring in the fall and the second one happening in the spring. During each cycle, organizations who wish to obtain funding for their project, event or promotion, are required to submit an application to the City. The Economic Development Commission reviews each application based on a series of established criteria. The EDC then makes a determination on funding each application.

For more information about the program, contact the Community Development Department at 492-6750.