Welcome to Lynchburg--Please Check Your Wallet at the Door

That shocked hotel guest? Nearly real.

Two weeks ago, Lynchburg City Council wisely avoided approving one of the highest lodging tax rates in Virginia—jumping from a 6.5% tax with a $1 nightly fee to 12.5% plus $10 a night. The proposed hike sparked immediate opposition from hotel owners, Airbnb hosts, and concerned citizens.

Now, round two begins. At tonight’s public hearing, Council will revisit the issue with scaled-back increases on the table. While the numbers may be smaller, the stakes remain high—for visitors, small business owners, and the city’s image.

Why Does the Lodging Tax Matter to You?

Even if you’re not checking into a hotel or listing your home on Airbnb, the lodging tax impacts Lynchburg in meaningful ways. It helps fund city services and shapes how our community is experienced by visitors. That, in turn, affects everything from local restaurants and downtown festivals to retail shops and neighborhood pride.

But maybe the bigger question isn’t just about lodging tax—or even the real estate tax rate that sparks debate every year.

It’s about this:

Do you have confidence that Lynchburg City Council will give city management clear, realistic guidance to shape a 2026 budget that truly serves the people who live here?

Because this isn’t just about one tax.
It’s about trust.
It’s about leadership.
And it’s about whether your priorities are being heard.