Carson City Culture and Tourism Authority Board of Directors Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Carson City Culture and Tourism Authority (CTA) Board of Directors met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Robert Pop Krawl Boardroom at the Carson City Community Center. The meeting included approvals of routine items, key contracts, and updates on tourism, events, and cultural initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 13, 2026, CTA board meeting.
• Consent Agenda: The consent agenda was approved by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Items

• Item 9 – Final Budget for FY2027: The board opened a public hearing for the FY2027 final budget. No public input was received. Staff (Chris) explained that the final budget is identical to the tentative budget approved in April, with one adjustment to separate a lease under GASB 87 (dollar amounts unchanged). The board unanimously approved the FY2027 budget.
• Item 10 – Contract CTA 2627-002 with SOR CPA’s PC: This contract designates Suzanne Olson, CPA, of Soren CPA’s PC (formerly Casey Nielsen Inc.) to audit financial statements for FY2026 through FY2028 at a total not to exceed $59,080. Staff noted that the firm was selected for continuity and competitive pricing. The board approved the contract unanimously.
• Item 11 – Contract CTA 2627-004 with Guerrero Productions LLC: This contract funds the creation of a public mural and a documentary (28–30 minutes) in Carson Valley, Nevada, as part of the Dust and Wonder Trail, for a total not to exceed $68,000. The project is part of a larger $631,000 EDA-backed grant from Travel Nevada, with no transient occupancy tax (TOT) dollars used. The mural will be one of six globally selected for the Walls project. The board approved the contract unanimously.
• Item 12 – Amendment to Interlocal Agreement: The board considered a second amendment to the interlocal agreement among Carson City, the District Attorney’s Office, and the CTA for administrative services and facility use. The amendment extends the term to June 30, 2028, aligns renewal with election cycles (every four years), and updates personnel references. The amendment includes a clause allowing the executive director, DA, and city manager to extend the agreement if no changes are needed. The board approved the amendment unanimously.

Presentations and Reports

• Item 13A – Awards: Visit Carson City received the 2026 Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America for content marketing (Winter’s Charm campaign). The VT Railway Commission’s Polar Express train was awarded best onboard experience among ~30 Polar Express trains worldwide.
• Item 13B – TOT Forecast: March transient occupancy tax revenue came in lower than projected, but the overall FY2026 forecast remains at $29.093 million, projecting a 1.63% decrease from FY2025. Staff expressed optimism for April, May, and June.
• Item 13C – Quarterly Report: For the first half of FY2026 (through December 2025), taxable revenue was down ~$600,000, taxable room nights down ~4,900, occupancy off ~5%, ADR down ~0.25%, and RevPAR down ~6%. Staff noted cleanup of reporting issues.
• Item 13D – Events Update: Recent events included the Tasmanian Boxing Club’s Parkinson’s Warriors event (24 fights, 49 fighters, ~350 spectators), the Nevada Association of Student Council State Conference (1,500 students), an elevated fam tour for 15 operators at Stewart Indian School, the Stetna’s Pay Dirt Race (target 400 riders), and various tournaments (soccer, trap shooting, Battleborn Blades sword fighting). Upcoming events include the Nevada State Prison Rumble boxing event (June 6) and the Caballo Bailador horse dancing festival at Fuji Park (June 27), with potential for a larger multi-day festival in future years.
• Item 13E – Arts & Culture Update: Eric Brooks reported on the world premiere of Candace Garlock’s “Road to Terminus” at the Brewery Arts Center (through June 28), the history of Thunder Mountain Indian Monument, and regional mural growth. The Nevada Mural Highway now includes over 600 murals along a route from Carson City through Reno, Fernley, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Elko, and Ely. Carson City was positioned as the cultural anchor of Northern Nevada due to its concentration of museums and historic sites.
• Item 13F – Marketing & PR Update: Digital marketing saw a decrease in website traffic due to the end of ad campaigns, but lodging referrals increased 170% month-over-month and 671% year-over-year. PR highlights included coverage of local events and the Casa Grande film premiere (48-hour turnaround, partnered with Cordillera and Galaxy Theater). The film, shot in Carson City and Carson Valley, generated hundreds of room nights. Nevada Golf magazine featured Silver Oak Golf Course on its spring cover.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All motions were approved unanimously:
  • Approval of minutes and consent agenda.
  • Final FY2027 budget.
  • Contract CTA 2627-002 with SOR CPA’s PC ($59,080 over three years).
  • Contract CTA 2627-004 with Guerrero Productions LLC ($68,000 for mural and documentary).
  • Second amendment to the interlocal agreement (term extension to June 2028).
• Next Steps: The board will meet again on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the same location. Supervisor Stacy announced that the Carson City Board of Supervisors will discuss short-term rental regulations, including room tax collection, on May 21, 2026.
• Public Comment: None were offered, and the meeting was adjourned.