Alton Council Member Patty Ford Proposes Cutting Tourism Funding

Ford says Alton is subsidizing too many other communities in the region through the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Alton City Council member Patricia 'Patty' Ford has introduced a resolution to significantly reduce the city's funding for the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau (GRRTB), a regional tourism organization that serves a six-county area. Ford argues that Alton is carrying more than its fair share of the funding burden for the 43 other communities in the GRRTB service area and wants to redirect those funds to other local initiatives.

Why it matters

The proposed cuts to tourism funding could have major impacts on Alton's economy and major local events that are supported by the GRRTB. Tourism is a key economic driver for the city, and the GRRTB provides staffing and resources that Alton does not have the capacity to replace on its own.

The details

Ford's resolution would reduce the city's Hotel Room Tax and Food and Beverage Sales Tax contributions to the GRRTB from 60% down to just 20%, with the remaining 80% going towards a reserve fund for the city's marina development bonds. The GRRTB's president and CEO, Cory Jobe, has warned that these cuts would have 'immediate and damaging consequences' for Alton's businesses and community.

  • On March 23, Alderwoman Ford introduced the resolution to cut tourism funding during an Alton City Council meeting.
  • The resolution is scheduled to be discussed at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on April 6.

The players

Patricia 'Patty' Ford

An Alton City Council member who introduced the resolution to cut tourism funding for the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau.

David Goins

The mayor of Alton, who has expressed support for Ford's resolution.

Cory Jobe

The president and CEO of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, who has warned that the proposed cuts would have 'immediate and damaging consequences' for Alton.

Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau

A regional tourism organization that serves a six-county area, including the city of Alton.

Alton City Council

The governing body of the city of Alton, which will be discussing and voting on the resolution to cut tourism funding.

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What they’re saying

“Tourism is important for our region, but the City of Alton is carrying more than our fair share of funding for the six-county region that GRRTB represents. City staff have been preparing our budget for 2026/2027 and have been making difficult choices. We can't afford to subsidize the 43 other communities in the GRRTB service area. If these services are truly invaluable, our neighbors will make up the deficit as needed.”

— Patricia 'Patty' Ford, Alton City Council member

“Let me be clear: these cuts will have immediate and damaging consequences for the Alton economy, our businesses, and the broader community. Tourism is not a discretionary expense — it is a proven economic driver that generates revenue, supports jobs, and brings sustained visibility to Alton.”

— Cory Jobe, President and CEO, Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau

What’s next

The Alton City Council will discuss and vote on the resolution to cut tourism funding at the next Committee of the Whole meeting on April 6.

The takeaway

This dispute over tourism funding highlights the tensions between Alton's desire to prioritize local initiatives and the broader regional benefits provided by the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. The outcome could have significant impacts on Alton's economy and major community events.