Issue 1A proposes a 2% increase in the lodging tax in Eagle County. Guests staying at local lodging facilities would pay the tax. This tax would not be paid by locals who are struggling with affordability. The increase would generate up to $4 million annually to support wildfire mitigation and early childhood education.

For a $500 per-night hotel stay, the tax would equal about $11.

Revenue from 1A will be divided between two critical needs, as well as local tourism marketing:

• Wildfire mitigation: Funding for vegetation management, forest thinning, and firefighting capacity.

• Childcare and early childhood education: Expanding access, providing subsidies, supporting teachers, and improving childcare facilities.

• By law, 10% of the funds will also support local tourism marketing, which benefits the lodging industry.

Eagle County faces rising wildfire risks, particularly in the wildland/urban interface areas. Mitigation is far less costly than fire recovery. For every $1 spent on prevention, up to $800 can be saved in avoided disaster costs. Additional funding could protect thousands of acres and help staff more firefighters.

Affordable childcare is essential for a strong workforce and a sustainable tourism economy. Without childcare, local workers are forced to leave the county. Investments in childcare improve workforce stability, business vitality, service quality, and ensure children are prepared for K–12 education. Research shows that every $1 invested in childcare produces about $7 in positive economic impact.

In 2022, voters approved a 2% lodging tax in unincorporated Eagle County and Gypsum. Commissioners directed those funds toward childcare and affordable housing efforts. The existing funding has been focused on increasing childcare capacity, supporting early childhood education teacher wages, and funding facility improvements.

While progress has been made, funding gaps remain in both wildfire mitigation and childcare. Raising the tax another 2%—to a total of 4%—creates sustainable, long-term funding while still keeping Eagle County competitive in the tourism market.

Visitors help fund solutions that protect residents, businesses, and the environment. Safer communities, stronger schools, a healthier workforce, and a more resilient economy benefit everyone in Eagle County.