by Richard Uhlhorn
On September 24, Manson’s One Voice Coalition held a meeting at the Manson Grange Hall attracting an estimated 40 individuals.
Dom Amor stated at the beginning of the meeting that building the community is the important aspect of the meeting. “The format of these meetings is to give information and get information,” said Amor.
Chelan Housing Trust:
The first speaker on the evening was Blaze Dawson, executive director of the Chelan Housing Trust which was founded in 2019. He explained that the trust separates the land from the houses to keep costs down and make them affordable.
To date, the Trust has built 11 townhomes and 2 homes. “Our target is to build affordable housing so people can live and work in our valley.”
He told those in attendance that the Trust wants to support Manson but needs financial backing to make it happen. He invited anyone to meet with him personally to talk about possibilities.
County Lodging Tax Advisory member:
Matt Renggli is the District 3 representative on the Chelan County Lodging Tax Advisory Committee that makes recommendations for allocating 3% Lodging Tax revenues that is collected by the county.
Currently, the Lake Chelan and Leavenworth chambers are the largest recipients of county lodging tax funds with approximately $300,000 to $400,000 given to each chamber yearly.
Renggli stated that travelers are taking fewer trips per year and that the majority of overnight visitors to Manson come in the offseason and are older. “Manson is the greatest generator of lodging tax funds in the county,” said Renggli. “The County receives a total of $1.2 to $1.4 million each year,” he added. Manson is awarded about $90,000 a year, but Renggli hopes to get more funding for the Manson Chamber of Commerce.
“I’ve met with the Mayor and Chamber director,” he stated. He added that Manson will never have an identity from Chelan. “It’s completely crazy. We produce a quieter experience, top notch recreation and farm to table experiences. Manson is a prime market.”
He said offering new events would bring in more tourism dollars but needs more support from local business. “More than just wine,” said Renggli.
Manson Parks:
Manson Parks Director Robin Pittman told those in attendance that the department is looking for a solution with the Manson School District on the Leffler Field ownership that benefits both. “We are building a relationship.”
Manson Community Council:
Mike Kirk, chairman of the council talked a little about the possibility of having a ferry service between Manson and Chelan. “It would be another way for visitors to visit Manson,” said Kirk. However, that kind of service would require a new commercial dock.
Port of Chelan County’s Richard de Rock said that it is difficult to do projects in small communities.
At the end of the meeting, Council member Rene’ Commons asked the audience to write down their comments and pose questions to the Coalition.
