November 4, 2025
Tripling the lodging tax during Colorado's worst tourism crisis in years would devastate Custer County's economy. Protect local businesses and workers by voting NO.
💚 DONATE TO SUPPORT THIS CAMPAIGNCuster County Question 1A asks voters to increase the lodging tax 300% on all short-term rentals, motels, and RV parks in Custer County, Colorado.
The tax would add 4% more to every visitor's bill, bringing the total tax burden to nearly 10% to visitors staying in Westcliffe and Silvercliffe when combined with state and local taxes.
Proponents claim this will raise $170,000 annually for housing and childcare. But the real story is what it will cost our economy.
The Problem: This tax increase is bad timing. Tourism across Colorado is declining, and Custer County has been hit particularly hard with lodging revenue down 13% in 2024 and down another 7% in 2025.
Custer County lodging revenue dropped 13% in 2024, followed by another 7% decline through August 2025. This is not the time to raise prices!
Source: Treasurer Office, Custer County
Colorado tourism spending grew only 0.3% in 2024 compared to 4.2% nationally. We're already losing tourists to other states.
Source: Colorado Tourism Office 2024
Statewide short-term rental occupancy decreased 10% in early 2025. Higher taxes will only accelerate this decline.
Source: Colorado Tourism Office
Economic research shows that for every 1% price increase, tourism demand drops by 1.5%. A 4% tax hike means 6% less visitors.
Source: Academic Tourism Studies
Combined state & local tax on short stays is already 9.9%. If 1A passes it will be 13.9%!
Source: County Tax Records
Seven Colorado counties are tripling lodging taxes this November. This is our chance to be the smart, affordable alternative.
Source: Colorado Sun
While the county expects to collect $170,000 in new taxes, the economic ripple effect will cost our community an estimated $1.5 million in lost spending at restaurants, shops, gas stations, and services. Plus, the project loss in sales tax revenue will reduce the net tax gains to only $70,000!
Context: Based on 2024 loddging tax receipts total lodging spending was $4.5M last year, with a total estimated tourism spending of $25M.
Bottom Line: Is $70,000 in net tax receipts (sales and lodging) worth losing $1.5 million in economic activity and putting local jobs at risk?
Custer County is home to the stunning Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Colorado's first Dark Sky Community designation, and authentic Western heritage. Tourism brings $4.5 million annually to our economy and supports one-third of local jobs. Let's protect it.
Families from Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and across the country choose Custer County because it's authentic, affordable, and accessible. They're not wealthy resort-goers—they're teachers, retirees, and working families on a budget. Discretionary travel decisions are highly price sensitive, especially during the off-season.
These visitors support our restaurants, shops, gas stations, and services. They create jobs for our neighbors and help sustain our small-town economy.
Let's be different: While other counties tax away their tourists, let's brand Custer County as the affordable, welcoming destination where families can still afford to vacation.
Colorado's tourism industry is facing unprecedented challenges:
Custer County can choose a different path:
Vote NO on Question 1A to protect our local economy and keep Custer County affordable for everyone.
Help us defeat Question 1A and protect our local economy
Questions? Contact us at: hello@kcca.info
