• Improve the quality of life in Enid and Garfield County residents by attracting more entertainment and sports events.

• Help provide more activities for youth, better facilities for youth activities.

• Make needed physical improvements to the Chisholm Trail Expo Center and provide additional maintenance funding for the Stride Bank Center.

• Help Enid bid successfully to host national and regional sporting events.

• Attract more visitors, which in turn supports local hotels, restaurants, and retail - making Enid more appealing to potential new tourism-related investments.

An April 2026 study released by the Sports Events & Tourism Association shows 94 percent of destinations provided financial incentives or funding support to attract or retain sports events in 2025. Additional funding will help Enid be more competitive in it's attempts to host national and regional  sporting events. 

• The Enid City Commission will be asked to put the question on the ballot for Enid voters to decide at the next election, which is Aug. 25. Majority (50%+1) approval is required.

• If voters reject the ballot issue, the existing 8% hotel tax and existing city-county split will remain in effect.

People who rent hotel rooms pay this tax in addition to their nightly room fee. For a one-night stay, the average cost of this 4% tax increase would be an additional $4 to $6.

• The hotel tax is a method for visitors to pay their fair share for public services they benefit from usin

By generating revenue from visitors rather than residents, Enid can invest in expanded amenities, tourism, and economic growth—enhancing quality of life—without placing additional strain on local taxpayers. Visitors pay their fair share for services they - and local residents as well - enjoy.

• Very unlikely. The extra about $5 per night is small compared with the cost to drive to a motel 38 miles away in Perry or 65 miles away in Stillwater. Business/industrial visitors who rent rooms by the week or month also will find staying in Enid cheaper than commuting to another city.

According to a May 2026 study by Dean Runyan Associates, tourism remains a major economic driver across Oklahoma, especially for small businesses, local employers, and rural communities. Every overnight visitor supports local restaurants, retail stores, hotels, fuel stations, and jobs throughout Enid. Tourism brings outside dollars into the community and helps strengthen the local economy without relying solely on local taxpayers. Additionally, tourism experiences and activities have a significant effect on both tourists' overall life satisfaction and the wellbeing of its residents.

City owned or supported facilities provide events such as:

NJCAA World Series at David Allen Memorial Ballpark • Stride Bank Center Concerts and Shows • Enid Lights Up the Plains • "The One" tree and events at Christmas • EJRT sports for youth • Enid Comic Con • Candy Cane Cash • Enid Outlaws semi-pro basketball • Vance Air Force Base formal events • Skeltur Tournament • Area high school basketball playoffs • Wedding show • Senior Life Expo • United Way and Chamber annual banquets • Jiffy Trip Tournament at Advance Soccer Complex • United Way chili cookoff • Bingo Loco •

Garfield County owned or supported facilities provide events such as:

PRCA Rodeo • Spring and fall home shows • Oklahoma FIRST Robotics competition • Agrifest • High school graduations • Corvette Show • Northwest District Junior Livestock Show • Cowboy Christmas concert • American Red Cross tornado relief shelter • Mennonite Relief Sale • Garfield County Fair • Outlaw Kart Showdown

The proposal will appear on the August 25, 2026 ballot. The measure must be formally filed by June 10 to appear before voters.

The proposed increase would allow expanded investment in community projects, including development, maintenance, and groundwork for a possible new multi-sports complex, as well as continued support for the Stride Bank Center, Chisholm Trail Expo Center, and future tourism initiatives.