Champions Landing owner Jeremy Rusco has the recommendation from the Transient Guest Tax Advisory Committee to gain $80,000 in TGT funds for a so-called tiny homes project. Now he waits for City Commission approval and the start of construction.
Rusco says the project will lead to some reduction in demand for short-term lodging during Emporia’s large-scale events.
Rusco also says this will provide a long-term benefit to Emporia’s transient guest tax line item.
Rusco tells KVOE News he’s navigating city code requirements on items like Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, fire safety and paved surfaces. He also says this is separate and unrelated to the Dynamic Discs project that was recommended for $25,000 in TGT funds. Rusco founded the company before selling to the European venture capital companies Equip and Vendis.
The TGT Advisory Committee made its recommendations Tuesday, and Rusco’s request for tiny home funding was the topic that drew the most attention — in part, according to Committee Chair Lucas Moody, because of prior funding from the state.
Moody says it was important for the committee to confirm the potential funds would be separated from Champions Landing operations.
Moody was pleased with the projects brought forward for consideration, and he wants to see more projects in the future.
Committee members also approved recommendations for the following:
*Discover Gravel, $19,000
*Emporia Arts Council, $60,000
*Emporia First Friday, $20,000
*Emporia Recreation Commission, $36,000
*Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow, $20,000
*Lyon County History Center, $30,000
*National Teachers Hall of Fame, $10,000
*Red Rocks State History Site/William Allen White Community Partnership, $15,000
City commissioners will consider the list during their June 2 study meeting.
Transient guest tax funds are collected through hotel stays. Proceeds are then used to fund a range of tourism-related projects in Emporia.
