Lodging Tax

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Lodging Tax Ballot Measure

On August 10th, 2021 City Council approved Council Resolution 2800 referring a question to Golden voters regarding the enactment of a 6% lodging tax on overnight commercial lodging stays. Resolution 2800 and the associated memo are available in the document library. This question for Golden voters will appear on the November 2nd, 2021 election ballot mailed to Golden voters by Jefferson County.

As a result of the provisions of Colorado's Fair Campaign Practices Act, City staff and City Council are prohibited from actions that might encourage voters to vote "yes" or "no" on such a question, and are limited on any expenditures regarding the ballot measure. This Guiding Golden website only contains the factual information pertaining to Council's action on Resolution 2800.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of lodging would be subject to the lodging tax? 
    • Lodging taxes apply to stays of less than 30 days in hotels, motels, short term rentals (AirBnB, VRBO), campgrounds and RV parks.
  • What rate lodging tax is being proposed?
    • City Council is considering a lodging tax of 6%. Rates in the metro area range from about 3% to 10.75%, with Aurora, Boulder, Denver, Thornton, Westminster and Wheat Ridge all over 7%.
  • How would the revenue from a lodging tax be used by the City?
    • The lodging tax proceeds would be earmarked for the first 10 years to address visitor impacts and fund community projects and capital improvements as determined by the City Council.
    • Following this initial 10 year period, City Council would be authorized to apply the lodging tax proceeds for any lawful municipal purpose.

Lodging Tax Ballot Measure

On August 10th, 2021 City Council approved Council Resolution 2800 referring a question to Golden voters regarding the enactment of a 6% lodging tax on overnight commercial lodging stays. Resolution 2800 and the associated memo are available in the document library. This question for Golden voters will appear on the November 2nd, 2021 election ballot mailed to Golden voters by Jefferson County.

As a result of the provisions of Colorado's Fair Campaign Practices Act, City staff and City Council are prohibited from actions that might encourage voters to vote "yes" or "no" on such a question, and are limited on any expenditures regarding the ballot measure. This Guiding Golden website only contains the factual information pertaining to Council's action on Resolution 2800.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What types of lodging would be subject to the lodging tax? 
    • Lodging taxes apply to stays of less than 30 days in hotels, motels, short term rentals (AirBnB, VRBO), campgrounds and RV parks.
  • What rate lodging tax is being proposed?
    • City Council is considering a lodging tax of 6%. Rates in the metro area range from about 3% to 10.75%, with Aurora, Boulder, Denver, Thornton, Westminster and Wheat Ridge all over 7%.
  • How would the revenue from a lodging tax be used by the City?
    • The lodging tax proceeds would be earmarked for the first 10 years to address visitor impacts and fund community projects and capital improvements as determined by the City Council.
    • Following this initial 10 year period, City Council would be authorized to apply the lodging tax proceeds for any lawful municipal purpose.