VisitEly’s executive director touted the group’s successes, lamented the impact of funding reductions and pressed for more collaboration during an address to the city council this week.
Abby Dare, who has spoken to the council several times in recent months, was at the podium again Tuesday during the group’s regular session and said 2025 was “an awesome year” in reference to the group’s targeted efforts to drive visitor traffic to the Ely.
Dare pointed to significant increases in lodging tax receipts of 38 and 65 percent, respectively, during February and March and in conjunction with events such as the Ely Winter Festival and Ely Film Festival.
She also pointed to a campaign promoting ATVs, as well as the numerous podcasts put out to promote Ely in 2025.
“People were clearly intrigued by (our) marketing content,” said Dare.
Dare also noted that VisitEly’s work came during a year “of leadership transition” and “intense scrutiny,” noting the ongoing controversy over the distribution of area lodging tax proceeds.
At the moment, VisitEly is set to receive $210,000 in lodging tax funds in 2026, just two-thirds of what the group requested from the area’s lodging tax joint powers board, which has decision- making power over the distribution of those funds.
The reduction has been a source of controversy in local government circles for several months and has not been completely resolved, given differing legal interpretations of the joint powers board’s actions.
Dare reiterated that the reduction has prompted in less “fuel” for VisitEly’s efforts, including the scaling back of some advertising and marketing campaigns and the elimination of its podcasts.
“This is a 40 percent structural cut,” said Dare.
Dare pleaded with council members to continue to address the issue.
“I really want to say that this conversation has to continue,” said Dare. “This isn’t just about the tourism bu- reau. This isn’t just about the trailhead building.”
Instead, Dare said, a conversation is needed about “a long term strategy with our tourism economy. Tourism is one of Ely’s economic pillars. It does not stand in opposition to other industries.”
She also invited council members to take part in an upcoming webinar intended for those involved in the tourism-related discussions.
“We really need informed, collaborative leadership,” said Dare. “Please help us find alignment and shared direction.”
Council members took no formal action and did not respond to Dare’s presentation.
In other business during a brief, 45-minute session Tuesday, the council:
• Ratified a new threeyear contract agreement with the Law Enforcement Labor Services local that represents Ely’s police officers.
The deal includes pay raises ranging from four to four-and-a-half percent and moves the hourly pay wage scale to between $33.05 and $38.42 in 2026, to $35.92 to $41.75 by 2028, with additional pay for longevity and shift differential,
• Named the Ely Echo as the city’s official publication for meeting minutes and public notices.
• Appointed Mauro Caruso to seats on the police commission and projects committee, and Cole Kellogg to a seat on the ad hoc comprehensive plan steering committee.
• Approved raffle permits for American Legion Post 248 and the Vermilion Foundation.
• Approved fee schedules for city services for 2026.
• Approved various city in-kind services for the upcoming WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race.
