Hotel tax increase to 9.9%
Summary
Council is weighing raising the hotel-motel tax from 5% toward 9.25% to help fund venue renovations and support the push for a 500-600 room downtown headquarters hotel. Lost business data shows 105 events worth over $100 million in economic impact turned away last year due to hotel limitations.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 11
- Last 30 days
- 2
Last discussed Jul 22, 2026.
Impact analysis
Raising the hotel-motel tax to ~9.25% would generate just under $17 million a year, up from about $9 million.
Visitors and event bookers would benefit; the added revenue could fund venue upgrades without raising sales or property taxes on residents.
Hotel guests, including families attending conventions and youth sports events, would pay more per night.
Mentions & discussions (11)
Tulsa voters weigh raising hotel guest tax to 9.9% in Nov. 3 ballot question
Tulsa voters weigh raising hotel guest tax to 9.9% in Nov. 3 ballot question KTUL
In Depth: Tulsa voters to decide whether to raise hotel tax to fund venue upgrades
In Depth: Tulsa voters to decide whether to raise hotel tax to fund venue upgrades KOKI FOX 23
Council (Regular) - Jul 22, 2026
The council approved the ordinances raising the hotel tax from 5% to 9.9% and set a November 3 special election so voters get the final say. If approved, the money funds BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center upgrades. This means one more question on your fall ballot.
Council Urban & Economic Development Committee - Jul 15, 2026
Tulsa wants to nearly double its hotel tax — from 5% to 9.9% — and put it on the November 3 ballot. The money would fund BOK Center and Convention Center renovations, more tourism marketing, and faster bond payoff. Because only hotel guests pay it, councilors argue residents won't shoulder the cost.
Council (Regular) - Jul 15, 2026
The council is weighing raising Tulsa's hotel tax from 5% to 9.9%, with the money tied to convention center and BOK Center upgrades. It would take effect January 1, 2027, but only if voters approve it. It moved to second reading July 22.
Council Public Works Committee - Jun 24, 2026
Hotels with 110 or more rooms pay 3% of gross revenue annually to fund tourism marketing that brings visitors — and their spending — to Tulsa. A public hearing on the assessment roll is set for July 15.
Council Public Works Committee - Apr 1, 2026
Tulsa is weighing a hotel guest tax to fund tourism and convention facilities, likely on the November 2026 ballot after August became too crowded with statewide races. Two studies on facility needs and long-term financing should land in the next few weeks before the proposal is finalized.
Council Budget & Special Projects Committee - Mar 4, 2026
Tulsa is considering raising its hotel/lodging tax from 5% to 9.25% or higher — the first increase in roughly 50 years. The extra revenue (about $8M+ a year at 9.25%) would help fund BOK Center and convention center upgrades, tourism marketing, and economic development. Visitors, not residents, would pay it.
Council Urban & Economic Development Committee - Feb 25, 2026
Visit Tulsa wants the hotel tax raised to 9.25% to market Tulsa competitively — funded by visitors, not residents. Councilors want a peer-city comparison and a study on how the money is split, plus answers on how it affects motels used as housing.
Council Urban & Economic Development Committee - Jan 28, 2026
Tulsa's 5% hotel tax hasn't budged in 40 years. Visit Tulsa pitched raising it to 9.25%, which would bring in about $8.4 million more a year — mostly from visitors — to market Tulsa nationally and internationally. Councilors want payoff data and a say on how new money gets allocated.
Council (Special) - Jan 20, 2026
Council is weighing raising the hotel-motel tax from 5% toward 9.25% to help fund venue renovations and support the push for a 500-600 room downtown headquarters hotel. Lost business data shows 105 events worth over $100 million in economic impact turned away last year due to hotel limitations.
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