Healdsburg lodging properties give back with grants for 11 local programs - Sonoma County Gazette

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The Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District (HTID) is an assessment district which funds marketing and sales promotion efforts for lodging businesses in Healdsburg. The group’s semi-annual grant program is derived from bed tax receipts and works to fund events, activities and projects in Healdsburg which enrich the community and visitor experience. This year, HTID has funded a diverse set of programs and assisted the community in launching and sustaining events and activities which add value for both locals and visitors.

Over the past year, HTID has supported 11 local events, programs, and projects, giving out $80,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the arts, culture and vibrancy of the Healdsburg community. These include Corazón’s LATINX Film Series of six free Spanish language films; the “Tuesdays in the Plaza” summer concert series; providing better signage and bike parking for cyclists; and the Rotary Club’s popular family-friendly 4th of July Parade and Duck Dash Races.

HTID-funded events continuing through the rest of the year include the Shakespeare in the Park series from Raven Performing Arts Center, which launched its fall season on August 12, and the Healdsburg Museum’s collaboration with the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians for the upcoming installation, "From Diggers Bend to River Rock: the People and History of Dry Creek Rancheria.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to support these incredible local projects and events,” said Circe Sher, member of the HTID and co-Founder of Piazza Hospitality. “The goal of our tourism improvement program grant opportunities is to empower Healdsburg communities to create and communicate their qualities as a top visitor destination and showcase the character, diversity and heritage of our town.”

“Because the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our signature events that both tourists and locals love weren’t a possibility due to lack of funding,” added Brooke Ross, member of the HTID and Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Trio. “We’re proud to be able to make these events possible and promote visitors coming to Healdsburg while bringing our community together safely after a year of isolation.”

Grant program applications open twice a year in the spring and fall, and the HTID will begin accepting applications for next grant funding cycle on September 1, 2021. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations planning projects aimed at improving the visitor experience such as transportation and parking solutions, infrastructure enhancements, and activities and events. For businesses looking to apply, grant applications are available at www.healdsburg.com/HTID.

Adopted in 2013, the HTID gives 22.5 percent of its funds to the District Development Grant Program. All lodging properties within the city limits pay a 2 percent assessment, which funds HTID’s activities promoting tourism to Healdsburg.

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