Woodbury attracts thousands of non-residents each year to its unique amenities like the sports center, Central Park and Eagle Valley Golf Course, as well as its shopping, medical care and dining opportunities. As the economic and recreation hub of the east metro, the city is assembling a task force to study ways to encourage its visitors to extend their stays and further support the local business community through the creation of a destination marketing organization.
In November 2022, the City Council voted to enact a 3% lodging tax on most Woodbury hotel stays beginning in April 2023. Per state law, these resources can be used only for attracting visitors to the community. The City Council will oversee the funds.
As it relates to the city’s unique amenities, the planned expansion and remodel of Central Park will include a new 350-seat meeting space large enough to hold regional conferences and gatherings that could support the lodging, retail and restaurant industry in partnership with the future destination marketing organization.
The task force will recommend a governance structure, create a multi-year strategic plan, and develop branding for promoting Woodbury as a place to visit.