In a Fiscal Bind, Loudoun Longs for Tourism Dollars
Article Tools
Share This +
Thursday, December 4, 2008
CORRECTION: The original version of this story incorrectly reported the amount of money approved by the Board of Supervisors to be used for Civil War commemoration efforts in the county. The Board approved $156,000, which help the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership match a $236,000 grant from Preserve America.
Bracing for a budget gap and a worsening economy, Loudoun County is stepping up efforts to remake itself as a tourist destination in the hopes of bringing in more revenue.
The county Board of Supervisors spent the last full meeting of the year approving more than $100,000 in an effort to make the county the go-to stop during the Civil War's 150th anniversary. They considered proposals that could one day pave the way for a minor league baseball stadium and a Redskins Hall of Fame to be built in Loudoun, though neither was approved. And they even considered ways the county could try to cash in on next month's inauguration excitement.
"We want to be D.C.'s wine country. We want to be the Hamptons," said Cheryl Kilday, president and chief executive of the nonprofit Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association, in an interview. The group serves as Loudoun's travel, tourism and promotional arm. "We want to be the go-to place for the metropolitan area, and we also want to attract other people from around the globe."
Tracy A. Woodward
Supervisor Lori L. Waters, shown in a 2007 photo, supported having Loudoun contribute to a proposed Red Skins Hall of Fame. The proposal was rejected.
The debate was a fresh acknowledgment that, after years of vacuuming up an ever-expanding pool of property tax revenue, it is time to pursue other ways to fund the government.
A decades-long housing boom that made Loudoun one of the nation's fastest-growing bedroom communities is over. The county is facing a projected budget gap next year of about $200 million. Three-quarters of its revenue comes from property taxes, which have fallen with the slumping housing market. Another wave of foreclosures is expected.
Supervisors have been trying to come up with other sources of funding to reduce the county's dependence on real estate revenue and expand its commercial tax base — with some creative results. They voted to put a meals tax on the Nov. 4 ballot. They've considered a tax on airplanes. Now, they're focusing on tourism.
Yesterday, supervisors considered, but ultimately rejected, a proposal to spend $100,000 of taxpayer funds for a marketing partnership with the Washington Redskins. The concept involved declaring Loudoun the "Corporate Home of the Washington Redskins." The county's logo would have appeared on the Redskins' Web site. Loudoun could have used the Redskins' name on its literature and Web site. County tourism officials would have worked alongside Redskins executives to create destination packages, including travel arrangements and other perks for fans visiting the team's training camp in Ashburn.
Gene Thorp, The Washington Post
Loudoun is trying to become a tourist destination by promoting its Civil War monuments and other attractions.
Supervisors also balked at the idea of spending $150,000 for a second phase of the deal that would have created a Redskins Hall of Fame.
"We're trying to generate tourism and additional travel to the county," said Supervisor Lori L. Waters (R-Broad Run), who voted in favor of the proposal.
The board discussed the motion for about an hour. Some didn't think the deal a proper use of taxpayer funds. Others worried the arrangement was too open-ended.
"I have a problem with this whole mind-set and approach of pursuing brand names, trying to market Loudoun County like the Madison Avenue firms do of their products," said Supervisor James Burton (I-Blue Ridge). "I don't think we need to do that. I think this county markets itself."
The proposal was defeated by a 5 to 4 vote. Other ideas proved more popular.
Supervisor Andrea McGimsey (D-Potomac) won approval, on a 5 to 4 vote, for spending $156,000 from tourism-related taxes to target some of the millions of visitors expected to converge on the region during the Civil War's sesquicentennial, which begins in 2011. The money will help the nonprofit Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership match a $236,000 grant it recently received from Preserve America, a White House historical preservation initiative, to train 4,000 people in hospitality services by the end of 2011 and an estimated 10,000 by 2015.
INTERNET ENHANCED
Related Stories
- Dec. 2, 2008 -- Supervisors Reject Funds for Redskins Partnership
- Oct. 29, 2008 -- Lenah Deadline Pushed Back, Board Braces for Budget Cuts
- Aug. 30, 2008 -- Foreclosures Nearly Triple in Virginia Since July '07
Related Coverage
Advertisement
The Journey includes Gettysburg, Monticello, Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Manassas and sites in Loudoun. The hope is to inform visitors about the county's role in the conflict — and stimulate local businesses, she said.
"This is a huge economic opportunity," McGimsey said. "We're going to be able to leverage the marketing power of these places."
During the discussion, the group's president, Cate Magennis Wyatt, told supervisors of a plan to have President-elect Barack Obama's inaugural procession wind through Loudoun from Gettysburg and finish at the Lincoln Memorial. A group of local officials have sent a letter to Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), who was national co-chairman of Obama's campaign, asking him to invite the president-elect.
Bill Clinton did something similar for his first inauguration. Clinton began his journey at Monticello, stopped in Culpeper and wound his way into Washington.
"There's precedent," Wyatt said.
Wyatt envisioned various inaugural celebrations along the Obama route, including oral histories, marching bands and simulcasts of the swearing-in ceremony.
In January, supervisors will consider another sports-themed proposal, which would clear the way for a minor league ballpark. The board has been asked to approve a change in the land-use designation of 397 acres at routes 28 and 7 in the Broad Run District to allow the stadium's construction.
No specific team has been named as the occupant, but the property owners are seeking a new franchise with the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. The league has eight teams in northeastern cities, and the teams are not affiliated with any major league or minor league club.
Tagged: Board of Supervisors, budget, tourism
Deal of the Day
$25 Off House Cleaning From Maid To Please!
Maid To Please is offering LoudounExtra.com readers $25 off their first house cleaning, or $10 their third house cleaning.
• View all deals from Maid To Please | All deals
Latest Deal
• $25 Off House Cleaning From Maid To Please! posted: 4/28/09
|
Search Deals and Business Directory |
Your Thoughts...
Are you happy that the school year is over?
Comments:
Note: LoudounExtra.com does not necessarily agree with comments posted below — responsibility lies with the relevant reader alone. Peruse our reader agreement and privacy policy
Thank you for your coverage of these important discussions. I wanted to point out a couple important corrections. The item for the Journey Through Hallowed Ground asked for $156,000, not 156 million. The Preserve America grant was for $236.000.
Posted by AndreaMcGimsey (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. McGimsey,
.
What you should be clarifying is how you decided not to support the NFL Washington Redskins. Folks are wondering how the BOS could dis-respect a large and current revenue generating business like the Redskins. It's baffling why Loudoun County wouldn't extended the same logic to the Redskins as it gave to the JTHG. We can only assume there was a momentary lapse in judgment based on mis-information or a lack of accurate information.
.
Please correct the vote the same way you've corrected this article. As you know, a motion to reconsider must be made only by one on the prevailing side, who has changed position or view. Please let that be you!
.
BOS please reconsider this vote.
Posted by maravetz (anonymous) on December 3, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't they try luring immigrant tourists? I'm sure Loudoun is a real welcoming place for them.
Posted by gasmonkey (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 7:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Making tourism a significant revenue source for Loudoun is a great idea.
But after the Board of Supervisors has spent a quarter of a century eagerly destroying Loudoun's beautiful, bucolic countryside with sprawling housing developments and shopping centers, its belated discovery of the value of Loudoun's rural cultural heritage is more than a little ironic.
Better late than never, presumably. The Board can redeem itself by cherishing the countryside that remains and making the most of its potentially immense appeal as a tourist destination.
Posted by JJinArlington (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, they do have one thing going for them already - the traffic getting into and out of Loudoun is already just as bad as trying to get out to the Hamptons on a summer weekend on LI.
Posted by nocando (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does the county have to provide $150K to help build a Hall of Fame for Danny boy? It's a drop in a bucket for him considering all the FA's he's thrown money at and underperformed. They already are paying for calling the county home of the Redskins.
Think about how much revenues you really going to get when 99% of the fans that go to training camps live within 1.5 hour drive from Ashburn.
Posted by katliu1 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Were doomed. Loudon is obviously run by idiots. In an economic resection people aren't spending money so for a county to plan on dollars coming in from tourism could be the most ridiculous thing I've heard thus far. My advise, fire the county leaders their morons. Redskins hall of fame. LOL. Woodward the retarded.
Posted by askgees (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So the short sightedness comes home to roost. How about luring some stable, tax paying, companies? When I moved there 12 years ago, when I mentioned living in Leesburg, the listener invariably responded with the statement that it was such a nice little historic town. Now, all anyone knows Leesburg and Loudoun for is the Outlet Mall and traffic. THis, and the depletion of the countryside is what the County Gov't is now known for. About the only option left is to call Disney, maybe they can over some advice.
Posted by terryhil (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't think of any reason to visit Lousy County. I don't think I have even driven through there in the last 30 years. My advice, close shop and leave.
Posted by mortified469 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As noted on blogs across the Commonwealth, the money in question on the 'skins decision are dedicated funds with limited usage-for marketing. The funds in question were for marketing, with some percentage being used to examine the viability of a Redskins HOF.
How is it a better decision to pay for hospitality training in hopes that there will be a rush to the hallowed ground sites in 2011?
Moreover, watch the online feeds of the meeting and consider matters of fairness. From one blog:
"...On a 5-4 vote they approve the funds for hospitality training. No program was laid out, no goals just trust me because I said so...Then almost all of those that voted in favor of this turn around and say there is not enough data, not enough of a plan, and too many questions to approve this. Huh? Economic Development finally did something that might entice business and this crew sends them packing. The funniest moment was Andrea (Ditzy) McGimsey says she’s a huge redskin fan and has a football signed by the quarterback, Frank Herzog."
Posted by BwanaWannabe (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A $200 million shortfall can only be made up two ways: a) cut spending or, b) raise property taxes. The school budget takes roughly 75% of revenues and all the stay at home moms don't want schools to be cut. So, the only thing left is property taxes.
But guess what, declining values make that a double edged sword as well. You cannot the money where it is not.
Loudoun needs real leaders who are willing to make unpopular decisions. The past GOP Board of Supervisors ducked the issue and now a DEM controlled Board is doing the same.
Waiting does not make this go away. A good start would be to have the Commisioner of Revenue and the Treasurer resign. They have done nothing to help the situation and are obvious impediments to real fiscal solutions. How long have they been in office???
Loudoun needs outside auditors to make sound recommendations that can be implmented now!
Posted by Loudoun99 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks alot, Supervisors. Wonder what property tax rate you'll come up with to offset the plummeting home values. I can't wait to get my property tax bill. NOT
Posted by koolkat_1960 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As far as historic sites go, Loudon/Leesburg will not be able to compete with other nearby historic sites like Gettysburg, Mt. Vernon, and DC. So your losing your tax base due to falling home values? Well, join the rest of the country. That's life, folks. It's called "recession". Make do with what you get.....cut services, lay off county workers, defer projects. Your better off promoting the outlets in Leesburg. That is more likely to draw people. How about offering a free bus from DC!
Posted by leralph (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 1:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I didn't want a major league baseball team, but I wouldn't mind a minor league one. Very easy to get into and out of, and generally not expensive. That's a good idea.
Posted by zimm1 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Face it. As far as tourism, Loudoun doesn't offer much. It's just a county people drive through to get to places like Harpers Ferry,WV and Gettysburg,PA. The only thing tourist will remember about Loudoun is the $3.50 toll on the Greenway.
Posted by mazman128 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why not try to lure a Carolina League team to Loudoun? These teams are affiliated with MLB and there are 2 other CL teams within an hours drive. It could help build a rivalry with Potomac (Nats) and Frederick (O's). Not to mention keeping all of the Loudoun residents (and their dollars) who enjoy a good minor league baseball game in Loudoun rather than taking the trip to Frederick or Woodbridge. Minor league ball is a great family outing. It's less than 1/2 the cost of going to DC and seeing a lousy Nats team get pummelled yet again. Unaffiliated teams are a gamble. No support from an MLB organization could leave the county high and dry if they build a stadium and the team folds.
Posted by brutal (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Loudon County "markets itself"? I live in Arlington. All I know about Loudon County is it's way "out there", there's nothing to do and it's just huge urban sprawl. Who would want to go there? Not even sure where Loudon County is except west. Sounds like some tourism dollars would help educate clueless people like myself.
Posted by DCTommy (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Loudoun County wants to be the Hamptons? Seriously? Better start building a beach.
Posted by kbockl (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The County should be working to lure large government contractors, esp. to the eastern part where MCI and AOL have vacated. You can almost see where the line between Fairfax and Loudoun Counties lies, because the office buildings just suddenly stop. Government business will continue to expand, even in a recession, and planning for the long term to bring the Northrop Grummans, SAICs, Lockheed Martins, etc. is one of the best ways to develop a long term stable tax base.
Posted by c (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After watching the Loudoun BOS debate and vote on the Redskin issue, my only conclusion is that this board thinks that economic development = jobs = more people who need to work and live in the county = growth = bad. Would the last business to leave Loudoun County please turn off the lights?
Posted by gieriscm1 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Too funny. If I want to see unending shopping centers, urban sprawl and traffic...which is what the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors allowed the county to become...I only need to go to Fairfax County.
"'We want to be the Hamptons,' said Cheryl Kilday..." Bwaaahaaaaa.
Posted by checkered1 (anonymous) on December 4, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They should focus on economic development, not giving another handout to Dan Snyder. The minor league team would be nice, provide an inexpensive way for people to take in a game. Going to see a Nats game for a family of four sucks up the equivalent of a car payment.
They should continue to sell Loudoun to contractors. In today's age of technology, there is no reason that companies need to be piled on top of each other inside the Beltway to conduct business. The more affordable housing would be a plus to employees looking to live close to work without having to drop 400k on a condo to be somewhere that isn't a DMZ.
Posted by BurtReynolds (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Redskins project had been proposed by our own Department of Economic Development, vetted and through the system, gone through the board committee review, passed unanimously (with Ms. Burk voting yes in committee) and this is the Board reaction (quite insulting)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmzrTN52m......
Whereas the Journey Through Hallowed Ground suggestion was a last minute surprise, no vetting, no going through the system, no committee recommendation, no justification under the narrow rules of the State Code, just these are our friends who we "trust" to do the right thing with our money... to train 4000 people? obviously not to work in Loudoun but at the real attractions, like Gettysburg and Monticello-- that money is supposed to be used locally, and it is wrong to give it to this group to spend on three other states and other Virginia Counties.
Check out the state enabling legislation and demand the Board do their job, vet this project, explain where the money will go in Loudoun, how it will be used in Loudoun, and what the return on our investment will be to Loudoun...
§ 58.1-3819. Transient occupancy tax.
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504....
“…shall be designated and spent solely for tourism and travel, marketing of tourism or initiatives that, as determined after consultation with the local tourism industry organizations, attract travelers to the locality and generate tourism revenues in the locality.”
No determinations, no consultations, no vetting, no nothing, just here's the money do whatever you think is right because you supported us politically, you are a friend, and we "trust" you....serious abuse of process issues, discrimination, favoritism, misuse of public funds in contravention of state enabling legislation, and hypocrisy. And what about that ethics package they passed? Ethics for who? everyone else?
Posted by MANN12 (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is a short video of the supervisors explaining why they voted against having money generating tourist destination in their county.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmzrTN52m...
Posted by txdesperado84 (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I would have to disagree with those that have stated that Loudoun has nothing to offer tourists and the tourism community. Loudoun County is a wonderful place filled with history. It may not be a "Washington DC", but so much of the history 'celebrated' in DC is linked to things that happened right here in Loudoun! The fact that much of Loudoun is untouched in the area of tourism is what makes it such a desirable place to visit. Please...I urge the BOS to support incentives that will bring tourism to Loudoun County. We are blessed to live in such a wonderful, historic area of the United States...It would be a shame to not be able to share it with the rest of the world!
Posted by thetravelteacher (anonymous) on December 5, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First of all, I support this board for nixing any money to the Redskins. THEY don't need it. If they want to build a relationship, let them finance it. Secondly, I think this board shows great vision in wanting to shape the county into something it CAN BE, by financing historic Loudoun awareness.
Anyone who has shopped beautiful old town Middleburg or Leesburg on a pleasant day knows what this county needs to promote. If you have visited Oatlands Plantation and Gardens, you know that Loudoun has a lot to be proud of. When was the last time one of you bloggers walked down to the edge of the Potomac and watched the water flow by? When was the last time you took a trip across the river on White's Ferry? There are many more resources to promote.
P.S.It would be refreshing to see something other than anti-supervisor snarks on this blog.
Posted by flwrldy63 (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
flwrldy, I have shopped beautiful downtown Middleburg and Leesburg--there are shops there with things you can get nowhere else. The Fun Shop in particular is fabulous!
However, what do specialty shops and their beautiful wares have to do with the Civil War?
I've been to Oatlands and taken the tour. It too is beautiful, but again, the reason it is intact is twofold: no war damaged it, other than reversing the fortunes of the original owners and causing its sale to northern powerbrokers, and second, that very sale even to a northern family was part and parcel of Loudoun's ongoing history.
This has always been a place where powerful people based in DC or elsewhere have their horses and house in the country.
Making sure that it is called "Hallowed" ground because it is on the same road with significant history in other places ensures that the hallowed retreats of the wealthy and powerful stay protected, with tax dollars and legislation.
The JTHG handout should have gone through committee like any other proposal, particularly after all of thre time Ms. McGimsey spent as a paid lobbyist demanding a fuller, and often REPEATED, public process.
And that isn't sniping at a supervisor. That is cold hard fact.
Posted by BarbaraMunsey (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ms. Munsey, The point is, people who are attracted to Loudoun's Civil War history are just the kind of folks who enjoy browsing and buying Loudoun STUFF. Thanks for elaborating on Oatlands' Civil War history. The fact that it was here and it was spared... AWESOME. OK, most of us Loudouners live in ugly vinyl tents with no connection to history other than the soil strata beneath us, but I don't have to walk that far to breath in real history. Before you chalk up this proposal to some kind of elitist conspiracy, think of what we all have to gain from it. Think of what historical beauty can be preserved if we learn to value it again.
Posted by flwrldy63 (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agreee with flwrldy...In my previous post I encouraged the support of funding for tourism to Loudoun County...However, for historical sites- not the Redskins! While I am an avid fan, I think Loudoun has so much more to offer than a tribute to a football team. The 'historical beauty' of Loudoun County should be valued!
Posted by thetravelteacher (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
flwrldy, conspiracy is your word, not mine.
Oatlands was "spared" because NOTHING HAPPENED here to imperil it.
Ugly vinyl tents? Who sounds elitist?
Let's talk marketing for a sec here: yes, the kinds of wealthy people who want to browse boutiques after a leisurely drive on a deserted lane that FEELS just like one of Mosby's men could be behind the next tree will be drawn to pretty emptiness--their imagination can fill in the gaps left by a lack of documented significant history.
But fifty five-thousand-dollar spenders are a fraction of the benefit that 50,000 fifty-dollar spenders would bring.
In a down economy, should we cast the broadest net, or not?
Or do we actually WANT a tourist economy?
Posted by BarbaraMunsey (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Historical beauty?
Yes, it is beautiful.
But cedar brakes by themselves are not historic. Neither are fallow fields.
Talk about the beauty, fine.
But it isn't historic simply because it is empty.
Posted by BarbaraMunsey (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The point of the initial marketing deal with the Redskins is to promote the rest of what Loudoun has to offer when fans visit. It is to show Loudoun as a destination. It's obvious when you read some of the posts here and after other articles that many people outside of Loudoun really don't know what is here.
The natural beauty, the history are wonderful and should be maintained, but our economy will not survive on that alone.
Posted by momof2 (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our treasure is the natural beauty that is left in Loudoun. Preservation of "empty" fields and forests is key.
Lots happened at Oatlands and a lot still does happen there. It has Civil War history because it was here and survived. Fortunately, it has had many more years since to deepen its richness of historical beauty.
Who are these $1000 Redskins spenders? What does it cost Loudoun to get that $1000 out of them? I bet it is a lot more than this initial $150,000. We already know it is going to be much more. Let the Redskins develop their own brand. They are welcome here as they have been for years, and they are welcome to promote their own business.
Posted by flwrldy63 (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
flwrldy, as I said, I've taken the tour at Oatlands. Being in existense at the time of the war doesn't mean it was a historic part of it. Oatlands is beautiful, but it is significant only in the vernacular.
I'm not saying get rid of it. However, it isn't an economy.
Lots of empty things are already preserved, and some with public dollars, although they remain private.
The current Board has dealt a blow to any semblance of rural business with some of their decisions this year.
The Redskins are located in the eastern developed area; they take away nothing from the pretty blankness.
Momof2 hits it on the head: the tiny and the special will benefit from the advertising of co-branding. Someone who comes to spend $50 on a day at Redskins Park ('scuse me, when did I say $1000?) may just go and spend $50 more in Middleburg or Leesburg if they have a nice day with their team, and pick up some brochures.
Someone who drives through Loudoun from something significant elsewhere to something significant somewhere else will surely enjoy the beauty to the max as they are crawling down 15 with the trucks.
Where will they stay if B&Bs are fettered from expansion (or new ones from opening) because of the ban on state approved mocern septic?
Co-branding with a draw like the home team doesn't harm, and could significantly help what exists of a rural economy here.
As for your last line, it could as easily be applied to the rural economy and boutiques: let them do their own marketing.
Posted by BarbaraMunsey (anonymous) on December 6, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dont have an account? Sign up!
Post a comment