Tourism Commission

The purpose of the Tourism Commission is to coordinate tourism promotion and tourism development for the City of Monona as set forth in section 66.0615, Wis. Stats.

The Commission monitors the collection of room taxes in Monona, receives room tax revenue from the City, and uses it for tourism promotion and tourism development in the City. The Commission also reviews and recommends ordinances, expenditures of room taxes, and policies relating to the promotion of tourism in Monona to visitors and tourism development.

The Commission contracts with a qualified organization under 66.0615, Wis. Stats., to perform the functions of a tourism entity.  The City currently contracts with the Monona East Side Business Alliance (MESBA) as its tourism entity.

2023 Grant Funding Applications Now Being Accepted

The City of Monona Tourism Grant program has been established to provide financial investments for tourism-related projects, marketing projects, and/or events that promote and develop tourism in the City of Monona which substantially increases overnight stays within the city.  

As required by the Wisconsin Local Room Tax laws, projects must attract visitors to the City of Monona. Priority for funding will be given to unique projects that specifically (among other priorities): Generate overnight stays in City of Monona lodging facilities; produce marketing projects, including advertising media buys, creation and distribution of printed or electronic promotional tourist materials, or efforts to recruit conventions, sporting events, or motor coach groups; or provide transient tourist informational services. Additional consideration will be given for projects that generate additional tourism related tax dollars within the City of Monona. 

Each application to the grant program will be individually reviewed by the Monona Tourism Commission to determine its potential economic impact on local lodging accommodations. Applications for the 2023 funding cycle must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, April 17, 2023, in order to be eligible for review by the Commission. For additional questions regarding the Tourism grant program, please contact Interim City Administrator Marc Houtakker at (608) 222-2525.

Download Application Cover Letter

Download Application

Download Application Budget Spreadsheet

Commission Members

  • Andrew Kitslaar, Chair
  • Alder Teresa Radermacher
  • Colleen Flaherty
  • Mike Strigel
  • Vacant

Meeting Agendas & Minutes

The Tourism Commission meets as needed.  View meeting agendas and minutes.