Downtown Woodland Revitalization floats idea for welcome center with Woodland City Council

Key Takeaways:

• Woodland’s visitor center will close in 2026.
• Closure follows a lack of lodging tax funding for the center.
• Downtown Woodland Revitalization proposes establishing a new welcome center.
• City Council is weighing the proposal’s feasibility.
• Local tourism could see far-reaching effects from the outcome.

The Proposed Transition

Downtown Woodland Revitalization recently introduced a potential solution to Woodland City Council: a new welcome center. With the closure of the existing visitor center looming, the group is hoping to keep a resource for newcomers and travelers at the heart of Woodland’s downtown.

History of the Visitor Center

For years, the community has relied on a single hub to guide visitors through the city, providing local information and support. However, the Woodland Chamber of Commerce has announced plans to shutter this longtime visitor center in 2026. According to the announcement, a key factor is the lack of lodging tax funding from the city.

Funding Challenges

The planned closure of the visitor center stems from the withdrawal of such financial support. Without these lodging tax revenues, the chamber finds it unsustainable to continue operations. As a result, city representatives are exploring how to avoid what they consider a potential loss for local tourism.

Looking Ahead

The new idea from Downtown Woodland Revitalization could fill the gap when the current center closes. The group intends for a fresh facility that will serve visitors, highlighting Woodland’s local culture and offerings. Whether the City Council formally endorses the proposal remains to be seen, but local leaders are examining their options to ensure residents and travelers alike continue to receive a warm welcome in Woodland.