Kingfisher voters approved an increase to the city’s hotel and motel tax this week, clearing the way for a new economic development plan aimed at long-term growth.
City officials say one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the measure was that it would impact residents through higher sales or property taxes. However, the hotel/motel tax is only paid by visitors staying in lodging within the Kingfisher city limits, not by residents.
Revenue from the tax is designated for two primary purposes.
The first supports the Kingfisher Convention and Visitors Bureau, which promotes community events such as the Christmas celebration and Fourth of July festivities. These events are designed to attract out-of-town visitors, bringing additional spending into local businesses and helping grow the city’s sales tax base.
The second portion will fund a professional economic development effort focused on recruiting new businesses and expanding opportunities in Kingfisher. This includes efforts to attract projects such as a new grocery store, along with other retail and commercial developments that can increase the tax base and create jobs.
The city has contracted with economic development specialist Brent Kisling to lead those efforts. Kisling previously worked in Enid from 2009 to 2019, where he played a role in significant growth initiatives, including a $1.3 billion expansion of the Koch Fertilizer plant. During his tenure, Enid also saw retail growth of more than 15 percent, with additions such as Academy Sports and T.J. Maxx.
City leaders say Kingfisher’s growth has remained relatively flat, around one percent over the past two decades, and they are hopeful this new approach will help accelerate progress in the years ahead.
