Background
Clear Creek County Wants to Triple the Lodging Tax from 2% to 6%, Giving Us Among the Highest Lodging Tax Rates in the State
While there are varying rates for owner-occupied and short-term rentals, under 1A Clear Creek County (including Idaho Springs,St. Mary's Glacier, Floyd Hill / Beaver Brook, Dumont–Lawson–Downieville, and Upper Bear Creek / Brook Forest.) would have among the highest lodging-tax rates in the state:
Clear Creek County Lodging Tax: 6% (up from 2% if 1A passes)
Summit County Lodging Tax: 2.0%
Grand County Lodging Tax: 2.0%
Eagle County Lodging Tax: 4.0%
Breckenridge (town): 3.4%
Winter Park (town): 3%
Keystone 2%
Carbondale: 2%
Vail: 1.4%
Evergreen / Golden (JeffCo): 0%
6% is the highest lodging tax rate Colorado law allows. Gilpin and Park counties are already there, without offering equivalent amenities or tourism marketing infrastructure.
The County Unfairly Targets Lodging Industry as a General Fund Bailout.
The County has consistently looked at the lodging industry as an easy way to generate tax revenue- all without reinvesting in tourism promotion. One of the economic engines our county depends on.
Since 2024, the county has increased STR license fees from $500 to $1,850 (270% increase).
Annual lodging tax revenue is nearly $300,000 and generates over $1M in annual fees and sales tax revenue for the county.
Of the $800,000 in lodging tax revenue the county expects to raise annually, up to 60% — $480,000 a year — is allocated to infrastructure maintenance and improvements and public safety.
Lodging Tax funds for TOURISM marketing are set at a floor of at least 10% — about $80,000 a year — not a cap.
The Burden of a Tax Hike Won’t Just Fall on Visitors, It Will Hit Business and Residents
With Colorado visitor occupancy down across mountain communities post-2022, compounding travel costs will suppress local guest visits. A 200% lodging-tax increase penalizes overnight visitors who patronize local restaurants, outfitters, gas stations, and shops.
Net 200% increase in the county lodging tax rate
Disproportionate competitive disadvantage versus surrounding mountain towns
Direct reduction in discretionary guest spending for local small businesses
Threat to the primary tourism engine supporting municipal services and local employment
Tourism serves as one of the county's primary economic engine. Raising taxes to uncompetitive levels drives travelers into adjacent counties, harming independent lodge owners and the working families who depend on our vibrant visitor economy.
NO ON 1A
SMARTER SPENDING.
NOT HIGHER TAXES.
Paid for by Clear Creek County Lodging & Tourism Alliance.
Registered Agent: Wesley Crittle
All contents © September 2026 Clear Creek Lodging & Tourism Alliance