How It Works: Visitor Stays Invest in Broomfield Housing
A Different Way to Invest in Housing
Housing is a long-term community need. This proposal creates a long-term local funding source to help address it—without increasing property taxes or taxes on everyday purchases.
The idea is simple: ask primarily visitors to help invest in Broomfield’s housing future.
If approved, Broomfield’s lodging tax would increase from 1.6% to 6%, with the additional revenue dedicated to local housing needs and priorities through the Broomfield Housing Alliance.
The Proposal at a Glance
WHO PAYS?
Primarily visitors staying in Broomfield hotels and short-term accommodations.
WHO BENEFITS?
Broomfield residents, businesses, and the broader community.
WHAT DOESN’T INCREASE?
Property taxes and Broomfield’s general sales tax.
WHAT COULD IT GENERATE?
Approximately $3.3 million in additional annual revenue for local housing investment.
Why a Lodging Tax?
Broomfield can turn visitor spending into lasting local investment—without increasing property taxes or taxes on everyday purchases.
Broomfield’s lodging tax has not increased since 1997. Even at the proposed 6%, it would remain competitive with several nearby communities that charge lodging tax rates between 7% and 10%.
Visitors help fund a community priority
Housing dollars stay local
Property and general sales taxes remain unchanged
Broomfield remains competitive for visitors and business travel
What Changes—and What Doesn’t
If approved, the proposal would:
✓ Increase Broomfield’s lodging tax from 1.6% to 6%
The tax applies to stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days.
✓ Apply to short-term lodging
This includes hotels, motels, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals.
✓ Keep the investment local
The additional revenue would be dedicated to addressing Broomfield’s housing needs and priorities.
✓ Create a lasting funding source
The voter-approved revenue could be retained and spent for its dedicated purpose under TABOR.
If approved, the proposal would not:
✕ Increase property taxes
Property owners would not see a property tax increase from this proposal.
✕ Increase Broomfield’s general sales tax
The city’s general sales tax rate would remain unchanged.
✕ Tax everyday purchases
Groceries, clothing, restaurant meals, and other everyday purchases are not subject to the lodging tax.
How Visitor Dollars Become Housing Investment
-
1. VISITORS INVEST
Visitors staying in Broomfield hotels and short-term rentals pay the lodging tax, putting visitor spending to work for Broomfield’s housing future.
-
2. DOLLARS STAY LOCAL
The additional revenue is dedicated to housing, with the Broomfield Housing Alliance administering and investing the funds to address local needs and priorities.
-
3. LOCAL DOLLARS ATTRACT MORE DOLLARS
Dedicated local funding can help unlock tax credits, grants, bonds, philanthropic support, and private investment.
-
4. BROOMFIELD BENEFITS
The investment can preserve existing housing, create more affordable and attainable homes, strengthen housing stability, and help older adults remain in their community.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Visitors Pay → Dollars Stay Local → Local Dollars Multiply → Broomfield Benefits
Visitor-funded. Locally invested. A Stronger Broomfield.
WHY BROOMFIELD HOUSING ALLIANCE?
The Broomfield Housing Alliance is Broomfield’s independent housing authority, created to advance affordable housing solutions through service, innovation, and partnership.
Housing is BHA’s sole focus. BHA has the expertise, partnerships, and financial tools to turn local resources into meaningful housing results.
BHA can:
Create and preserve affordable and attainable homes
Provide housing assistance and strengthen housing stability
Acquire and invest in housing and property
Support partner agencies delivering essential housing programs and services
Access grants, tax credits, bonds, and specialized financing
Leverage state, federal, philanthropic, and private investment
Collaborate with local housing partners to develop effective strategies
Dedicated local funding allows BHA to plan strategically, compete for outside resources, and multiply Broomfield’s investment.
INVESTING IN BROOMFIELD’S HOUSING FUTURE
Funding can help:
Preserve the housing Broomfield already has
Create more affordable and attainable housing
Expand workforce housing opportunities
Strengthen long-term housing stability
Help older adults remain in their community
Support partner agencies serving Broomfield neighbors
Bring additional investment into Broomfield
It’s not just about building new homes. It’s about preserving what we have, creating more opportunities, and strengthening Broomfield’s housing future.
Public Dollars. Clear Accountability.
BHA operates with multiple layers of public accountability:
City Council-appointed Board of Commissioners
Open meetings and public records
Independent annual financial audits
Public budgets and financial reporting
Annual reporting to City Council
Broomfield residents deserve to see where public dollars go—and the housing results those dollars deliver.