VALDEZ, ALASKA (January 23, 2026) — The Valdez City Council held a work session yesterday evening to discuss the allocation of public accommodation tax revenues for 2026. Council Members expressed a desire to continue to support local businesses and bolster the tourism sector in Valdez with these funds.
The public accommodation tax, a 6% sales tax on overnight rentals, exists to support economic development activities in Valdez. Historically, these revenues have been appropriated to the Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau (VCVB) to assist with tourism marketing activities.
Due to recent resignations and organizational instability, the City Council has determined that allocating funds to the VCVB is not a prudent use of public funds at this time.
Mayor Fleming requested that the Council consider a resolution to form a tourism task force at the next regular council meeting on February 3, 2026. The goal of the task force will be to work with local businesses across economic sectors to identify an appropriate model to stabilize and promote tourism and destination marketing for Valdez into the future.
The 2026 public accommodation tax allocation will remain in a reserve account and be appropriated pending the council’s approval of task force recommendations.
The City Council is deeply committed to continuing to support the visitor industry in Valdez and looks forward to a sustainable and effective solution being developed.