Atlanta and other cities in the U.S. are fighting for a greater share of hotel taxes paid as a result of bookings through online sites.
"Online travel companies are under legal assault throughout Georgia - and across the nation - as cities seek to recoup tax money they claim is rightfully theirs. The hotel and occupancy tax for Atlanta hotel and motel rooms, for example, is 7 percent. The tax, like others nationwide, was enacted into law as a way to generate money that could be used to promote tourism."
"According to court filings, the online companies contract with hotels and motels for a number of rooms at negotiated 'wholesale' rates. The online companies determine a markup and set the 'retail' rate the consumer will pay. The online companies accept credit-card payments for the room rate, plus taxes and services fees. They return the 'wholesale' rate, plus the estimated tax on that rate, to the hotel.
No hotel and occupancy tax is being paid on the difference between the wholesale rate and the retail rate, Bill Norwood, a lawyer for the city, said Monday.
But Kendrick Smith, a lawyer for the online companies, said that because the Internet-based firms do not buy or rent hotel rooms, they are not subject to the tax."
FULL STORY: Atlanta among U.S. cities suing online travel companies
Borscht Belt Meets Rust Belt
The "Borscht Belt", a once-thriving vacation getaway in upstate New York, has entered a serious decline. Legalizing gambling in the region is being discussed as a cure-all to revitalize the Catskills, but Citiography thinks its too late.
Cambodian Cool
The Cambodian city of Siem Reap is a hotbed of tourist activity -- and of tacky hotels. Many say this sprawl of hotels is a major problem in the city, but new designs are making the city a cooler place to visit and live.
Spain Moves to Ban 66,000 Airbnbs
The national government is requiring the short-term rental operator to remove thousands of illegal listings from its site as part of an effort to stem a growing housing crisis.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)