The Tulsa City Council unanimously approved on July 22, 2026, a proposed hotel excise tax increase, raising the rate from 5% to 9.9%. This measure, the first hotel tax hike since 1984, will be placed on the November ballot for city voters to decide.
Officials Cite Underfunding and Staff Shortages
Visit Tulsa President Renee McKenney highlighted the historic stagnation of the hotel tax rate, which has remained unchanged since 1984. McKenney explained that reinvesting the additional revenue from guests would help maintain Tulsa’s key venues. Councilor Anthony Archie noted that understaffing and underfunding of the tourism department have hindered efforts to recruit entertainment acts and conferences,
resulting in lost opportunities to cities like Dallas and Kansas City.
Tax Revenue Targeted for Venue Maintenance Starting 2027
The new revenue generated from the increased hotel tax, which applies to tourists staying in Tulsa hotels, is earmarked primarily for interior repairs and maintenance at the BOK Center and the Arvest Convention Center. These improvements are scheduled to commence in January 2027, aimed at preserving the city’s major event spaces for both visitors and residents.
