The Promotional Coordinating Committee (PCC) is a seven-member advisory committee to the City Council. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for San Luis Obispo residents and visitors and to promote the City as a regional tourist and recreational center. Members of the committee are selected by the City Council and serve four year terms. Agenda packet and minutes are recorded from the meetings.

Funding for tourism promotion comes through the City’s General Fund from the Transient Occupancy Tax. The City’s promotional budget for 2008-09 is $442,000. Promotional activities include annual contracts with the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Conference Bureau and a selected advertising firm, currently Verdin Marketing Ink. The City also supports the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. Additionally, the PCC provides “seed money” for new and unique promotional opportunities and for new special events which are likely to enhance tourism under the Enhanced Promotions Program.

The Promotional Coordinating Committee also administers the City’s cultural grants program. $100,000 in grants are awarded to cultural non-profit organizations. Grants are accepted during the month of March for the fiscal year beginning in July. (Grants-In-Aid timeline).  

For questions regarding the grant program, contact Brigitte Elke at 805-781-7151.

Tourism Business Improvement District

In June of 2008, the City Council adopted an ordinance establishing the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID). The TBID allows the hotel industry to raise funds solely dedicated to tourism marketing and promotions to attract visitors to San Luis Obispo and its lodging industry.

The TBID has a five member advisory committee to the City Council. The TBID Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. in the Council Hearing Room (990 Palm St.). The board meetings are open to the public. The agenda packet and minutes are also available.