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Healdsburg District Development Grant Program Funds Programs for Community and Tourism

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The Healdsburg Tourism Improvement District (HTID) is a benefit assessment district that funds marketing and sales promotion efforts for lodging businesses in Healdsburg. The semi-annual grant program is derived from the local hospitality industry’s annual bed tax receipts and works to fund events, activities and projects in Healdsburg which enrich the community and visitor experience. This year, HTID has funded a diverse set of programs and assisted the community in launching and sustaining events and activities which add value for both locals and visitors alike, supporting the rebound of tourism to Healdsburg and bringing the local community together.

Over the past year, HTID has had the privilege of supporting 11 local events, programs, and projects, giving out $80,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to the arts, culture and vibrancy of the Healdsburg community. These include Corazón’s LATINX Film Series of Spanish language films that brings hundreds of community residents together for six free family-friendly movie screenings throughout the year; the “Tuesdays in the Plaza” summer concert series, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to gather while enjoying weekly live music and food from local vendors; providing better Bicycle Wayfinding Signage bike parking for cyclists; and the Rotary Club’s popular family-friendly 4th of July Parade and Duck Dash Races, which was a particularly special event this year as the town was unable to host its annual 4th of July fireworks display due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

HTID-funded events continuing through the rest of the year include the Shakespeare in the Park series from Raven Performing Arts Center, which launched its fall season on August 12, and the Healdsburg Museum’s collaboration with the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians for the upcoming installation, “From Diggers Bend to River Rock: the People and History of Dry Creek Rancheria,” bringing arts and culture to locals and visitors alike over the coming months.

“We’re thrilled to be able to support these incredible local projects and events,” said Circe Sher, member of the HTID and Co-Founder of Piazza Hospitality. “The goal of our tourism improvement program grant opportunities is to empower Healdsburg communities to create and communicate their qualities as a top visitor destination and showcase the character, diversity and heritage of our town.”

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our signature events that both tourists and locals love weren’t a possibility due to lack of funding,” added Brooke Ross, member of the HTID and Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Trio. “We’re proud to be able to make these events possible and promote visitors coming to Healdsburg while bringing our community together safely after a year of isolation.”

Grant program applications open twice a year in the spring and fall, and the HTID will begin accepting applications for the next grant funding cycle on September 1, 2021. Priority is given to nonprofit organizations planning projects aimed at improving the visitor experience such as transportation and parking solutions, infrastructure enhancements, and activities and events. For businesses looking to apply, grant applications are available at www.healdsburg.com/HTID.

Adopted in 2013, the HTID gives 22.5 percent of its funds to the District Development Grant Program. All lodging properties within the city limits pay a 2 percent assessment, which funds HTID’s activities promoting tourism to Healdsburg.

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