HOT Funds - Part 2

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A Two-Part Look at Where HOT Funds Came From, Where They Can Go, and How Cities Put Them to Work
Know the rules. Understand the possibilities. Make HOT dollars work smarter for tourism and your community.
 
Part 1 (register here) — HOT 101: History, Purpose & Permitted Uses
Take a trip through the history of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT), why it was created, and the rules that shape how these tourism dollars can and cannot be spent.
 
Part 2 — From HOT Funds to Community Impact: How Cities Run Grant Programs
See how cities turn HOT revenue into action through grant funding programs. We’ll explore different approaches to applications, eligibility, evaluation, awards, accountability, and the all-important question: What works?

Trainers: 

Shelley Goodwin, TRMC, MMC, has built an impressive 36-year career in State, County, and Municipal government—26 of those years dedicated to serving in roles such as City Secretary, Interim City Clerk, Deputy City Clerk, and Departmental Secretary. She earned her Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) certification in 2011 and currently completed another recertification. In 2024, she achieved her Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation and continues to pursue advanced professional development. Throughout her career in the City Secretary/Clerk’s Office, Shelley has worn many hats—handling event planning, human resources, finance, communications, and more—all while fulfilling the core duties of a City Secretary. While every city is different the duties of the City Secretary vary as well, in Rockport Shelley duties include City Secretary, Legislative Tracking, Communications, and Civic Engagement.

Gabriela Hernandez, TRMC, has faithfully served the City of Beeville for 11 years, demonstrating dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public service. Throughout her career, she has been an active member of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA) as well as the Coastal Bend Chapter of TMCA, where she has held multiple leadership positions on the board. In 2023, Ms. Hernandez successfully completed the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program through the University of North Texas, earning the designation of Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC), a distinguished professional achievement within her field. That same year, she was honored by her peers as the Coastal Bend Chapter’s Member of the Year, reflecting her outstanding contributions to the profession and her chapter. Continuing her professional growth, Ms. Hernandez is currently pursuing her Certified Municipal Clerk designation through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

Lindsey Guindi, AICP, is Assistant City Manager for the City of Bryan. She joined the city in 2001 and previously served as Director of Strategic Projects, Director of Development Services, Planning Manager, and Development Coordinator. She supports the City Manager on operations and strategy and oversees Library Services, Community Development, Human Resources, and Risk Management. She helped develop Bryan’s Tax Increment Financing Districts and played an instrumental role in the redevelopment of Downtown Bryan. A Texas A&M graduate in environmental design and an AICP member, she is known for building consensus across departments and with community partners. She and her husband, Danny, have two grown children, Abby and Victor.