Thomas A. Hazinski, MPP

Consulting Experience

Thomas Hazinski leads the HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment Facilities Consulting practice (HVS CSE), which he founded in 2001. Tom advises state and local governments and private entities on the development of convention centers, sports facilities, performing arts centers, and many other types of public assembly facilities. HVS CSE provides feasibility studies, operational analysis, economic and fiscal impact analyses, and tax projections that support the issuance of public debt.

Tom earned an advanced degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, where he has recently served as an adjunct professor, teaching a graduate level course in state and local finance. With seven years of governmental experience and over 30 years of consulting experience, he is a widely published industry leader. Tom has work on over 600 studies of public assembly facilities and mixed-use developments in nearly every state in the US. His extensive international experience includes hospitality and mixed-use projects in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Tom is also a leading expert on public/private partnerships in hotel development.

Clients

Agape Community Sports Services
Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau
Albany Convention Center Authority
Albuquerque AZ, City of
Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau
Alerus Commission
Alexandria MN, City of
Allen, Texas Economic Development
Alpena FL, City of
Alsip IL, City of
Amari Hotels
Amarillo TX, City of
American Racing and Entertainment
American Securities Capital Partners
Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau
Apopka FL, City of
Archdiocese of Detroit 
Argosy Gaming
Atlanta Cobb Galleria
Aurora CO, City of
Aurora, CO, City of
Austin TX, City of
Ayala Family (Philippines)
Baltimore Development Corporation
Bangor MA, City of
Beaver Creek, CO Resort Company
Bethlehem PA Redevelopment Authority
Big Springs TX, City of
Billings, MT Chamber of Commerce/CVB
Boardman, Oregon Community Development Assoc.
Boone County, IN
Boston Chamber of Commerce
Boston MA, City of
Brookings SD, City of
Broward County, FL
Brown County WI Professional Football Stadium District
Buffalo Convention Center Corporation
Caesar’s Entertainment Corporation
Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre
Canopy Sands Development Co., Ltd
Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Cedar Rapid IA, City of
Centennial Authority of North Carolina
Charlotte NC, City of
Cheyenne LEADS
Chicago IL, City of
Chickasaw Nation
Chickasaw Nation
Chilliwack Economic Development Partners
Cicero IL, Town of
Cincinnati Center City Development Corp.
Aiken, South Carolina, City of
Albuquerque, New Mexico, City of
Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority
Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority
Coleman Research Group, Inc.
Columbia, MO Downtown Community Improvement District
Compass Facilities Management
Concord Pacific Developments
Copenhagen Capacity
Coralville IA, City of
Corpus Christi Business Alliance
COSI Science and Industry Museum, Columbus OH
Council Bluffs IA, City of
Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau
Dallas TX, City of
Davenport IA, City of
DeKoven Center, Racine, Wisconsin
Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority
Dev-Con International LLC
Durango Business Improvement District
EPIC Resort Destination LLC
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
Evanston IL, City of
Explore St. Louis
Fargo, City of
Fargodome, ND, City of
Faulkner USA
Fedinco Ltd.
First Southwest Company
Florida Polytech University
Fort Collins CO, City of
Fort Worth TX, City of
Franklin County (OH) Convention Facilities Authority
Franklin L. Haney Company
Fredericksburg, TX Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fredericksburg TX, City of
Freeman Coliseum TX
Galveston TX, City of
General Growth Properties
Geneva Palexpo
Gilbert AZ, Town of
Glens Falls Development, LLC
Grand Heritage Hotel Group
Greater Buffalo Convention and Visitors Bureau
Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (Queens, New York)
Greater Ontario CVB, California
Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District
Greenville SC, City and County of
Hagerstown/Washington County MD Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hard Rock International
Harlingen, TX City of
Hawaii Tourism Authority
HCW Development (Branson, Missouri)
Herschend Family Entertainment Corp.
Holland MI, City of
Hollywood Florida, City of
Host Hotel & Resorts
Hotel Association of New York City
Hubbard Street Dance, Chicago
Huntsville AL, City of
Ikenakea Development
Illinois State University
Independent School District No. 270 (Hopkins, Minnesota)
Intercap Institutional Investors
JBG Associates, LLC
Kansas City Bartle Hall
Kansas Department of Commerce
KPG Real Estate Development
KSL Resorts
La Sierra University
Lacey Development
Lake Area Improvement Corporation, Madison, SD
Lake County (IN) Convention and Visitors Bureau
Lake Julaluska Conference and Retreat Center
Lancaster County Convention Center Authority
Lancaster, Pennsylvania County Convention Center
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Las Vegas Sands Corporation
Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce
Lee’s Summit MO, City of
Liberty Science Center, Jersey City, NJ
Long Center for the Performing Arts
Loudoun County, Virginia
Loveland, CO, City of
Macon GA, City of
Madison Square Garden
Mammoth Lakes CA, Town of
Manchester NH, City of
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Massachusetts, Commonwealth of
Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
Medford, OR, City of
Memphis, TN City of
Metro Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau (Mississippi)
Metropolitan Airports Commission, Minneapolis
Metropolitan Pier and Exhibition Authority, Chicago
Miami Township, Ohio Community Improvement Corp
Port St. Lucie, Florida, City of
Miller Capital Advisory Inc.
Miller-Valentine Group
Milwaukee, WI, City of
Minneapolis Airport Hotel
Mission, TX, City of
Moline IL, City of
Monroe County, IN Convention Center Building Corporation
Monroe, Washington, City of
Monterey Conference Center
Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Montgomery County, Tennessee
Muskingum County OH Convention Facilities Authority
Naperville IL, City of
Nashville TN, City of
National Music Foundation
Neal & Leroy, LLC
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Newnan GA Convention Center Authority
Newton Oldacre McDonald, LLC
Normal IL, Town of
Oakland CA, City of
Oakland Redevelopment Agency
O'Hare International Airport
Omaha NE, City of
Omaha Royals Baseball Club LLP
Oneida Nation
Oregon Convention Center
Oregon State Fair
Loveland, CO, City of
Overland Park Development Corporation
Overland Park KS, City of
Owensboro KY, City of
Oyster Bay NY, City of
Palm Beach County, FL
Panama City Beach
Paper City Development LLC
Peoria IL, City of
Philadelphia Hotel Association
Phoenix Convention Center
Pier 94 (New York City)
Piper Jaffray
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation
Plano TX, City of
Plenary Group Pty Ltd
Plunkett & Clooney
Port Sanilac Downtown Development Authority
Portland Development Commission
Property Council of Australia and Tourism Transport Forum
Puerto Rico Convention Center District
Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Queens NY Chamber of Commerce
Qwest Center Omaha
Racine County, Wisconsin Ice Center, Inc.
Racine DeKoven Center
Racine, Wisconsin, City of
RAK Tourism and Development Company
Raleigh NC, City of
Related Companies
Rhode Island Convention Center Authority
Richmond VA, City of
Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Roberto Clemente Foundation
Rochester Riverside Convention Center, New York
Rochester, MN Convention & Visitor Bureau
S. B. Friedman & Company
Saint Louis County, MO
Salem VA, City of
Salishan Mohegan Development Team
Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
San Antonio TX, City of
San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation
Santa Fe NM, City of
Schaumburg IL, Village of
Senate Hospitality Group
Shaner Hotel Group
SheerSports
Sonnenblick-Del Rio Jamaica Ltd.
South Lake Tahoe Redevelopment Authority
Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District
Spencer County Visitors Bureau, Indiana
Starwood Development
State of Arizona
Stockton, California, City of
Suffolk VA, City of
Taj Hotel Group
Tallahassee FL, City of
Tern Landing Development
The Citadel
The Resort Group
Tinley Park IL, Village of
Tri-Star Investments
Tucson AZ, City of
UBS Municipal Securities Group
Union County, Ohio Chamber of Commerce
University of Chicago
Urban Council of Albuquerque, Inc.
Urban Renewal Authority of Colorado Springs
Urbandale, Iowa, City of
Vail CO, Town of
Village of Shiller Park, IL
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
Virginia Beach VA, City of
Visalia Convention Center
Visit Indianapolis
Washington DC Convention & Sports Authority
Washington State Convention Center
Wausau WI, City of
WEDGE Real Estate Holdings
West Allis WI, City of
White Oak Resorts
Wichita KS, City of
Wild Horse Pass Development Authority
Williston ND, City of
Wisconsin Center District
Wonderful Copenhagen
Wynn Resorts Development

Education

Master of Arts - Harris School of Public Policy Studies, University of Chicago, 1990.
He also completed four years in the post-graduate degree program, including doctoral course-work, before leaving to pursue active management.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1976

Teaching and Lecture Assignments

Former Adjunct Professor, University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy, Graduate Studies in State and Local Government Finance
 
Former Adjunct Professor, Roosevelt University, Manfred Steinfeld School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Lectured at DePaul University (Chicago) in the Masters of Public Services Program, teaching a course entitled “Financial and Economic Foundations of Public Service.”

Testimonials

“HVS was very responsive to our needs. If you're looking to build a case... tell the story... create change in your community... incentivize development and/or discussion... to better your community... HVS is your go-to source.” –  Ms. Brooke Kaufman, CEO, Visit Casper (Casper Area Convention & Visitors Bureau)
 

Press Coverage

A Breakdown of the Transformation of Business Event Travel Between 2022-2023
Cities rebounding fastest are benefiting from tourism, not biz travel, 2022
Postponed by Pandemic, Milwaukee's Wisconsin Center Expansion is Back on the Schedule
Cities Save Hotels, Arenas From Bond Defaults After Pandemic Hit, 2020
Success of Austin Convention Center expansion may hinge on COVID-19 recovery, 2020
City Council Mulls Future Events, as Venues Cry for Help Now, 2020
Philadelphia Sixers May Begin Hunt for New Home Elsewhere in Philly
Despite Pandemic, HVS Consultant projects Austin Convention Center will Profit from Expansion, 2020
Muni Bonds Face Reckoning After Convention Business Collapses, 2020
DMOs Should Qualify for Federal Aid, 2020
Convention center dilemma no closer to an answer. 2020
HVS: Lodging tax revenue may drop $6.1 billion in some U.S markets, 2020
Center’s hotel a year away; Event bookings steady during ‘ramp up’, 2020
Site Picked for Fargo Performing Arts Venue in Downtown Fargo
Wisconsin Center District Includes HVS Study in Expansion RFQ for Investment Bankers
Modesto, CA Officials Intrigued with Downtown Hotel Plan, 2019
Modesto officials intrigued with downtown hotel plan, but lots of questions remain, 2019
Idea of publicly financed convention hotel raises questions in Grand Rapids, 2019
Modesto’s planned high-end hotel passes hurdle. What’s next for the proposed project?, 2019
Proposed Fox River improvements would help St. Charles economy: study, 2019
Convention center exceeding goals for economic impact, study says, 2019
Harlingen,Texas Convention Center Opens
Study of Headquarter Hotel at Modesto Centre Feasible
Public Supports new Buffalo Convention Center
Fox River plan likely to boost tourism in St. Charles, IL
Convention Center Study Findings Released, Billings, Montana
New Sites Proposed to Replace Buffalo's "Obsolete" Convention Center, 2018
Proposed New Orleans convention center hotel would bring in $282M a year, consultant says, 2018
$78 million resort breaking ground in charming Texas Hill Country town, 2018
Erie County officials mum on site options for convention center, 2018
Austin Mayor Support 2 Percentage Point Tax Increase, 2017
Food and beverage tax supporting expansion of the Monroe Convention Center will be voted on Dec. 13, 2017
Planes, Train and Automobiles: Chicago's High Travel Taxes, 2017
Modesto Officals Consider Downtown Headquarters Hotel
Harlingen's biggest upscale hotel completed summer 2020
 

My Articles

2023 HVS Lodging Tax Report - USA

This thirteenth annual HVS Lodging Tax Study presents comprehensive data on city, state, and special district lodging and sales taxes imposed on the sale of lodging. We provide the collection and distribution of revenue from lodging taxes levied in all 50 States and the 150 largest US cities. Our analysis of 25 major US hotel markets shows that overall room revenues have exceeded 2019 pre-COVID levels and that markets with a high share of leisure demand have recovered faster than those without.

• September 25, 2023 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Michael Ferguson

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , North America , United States

The Transformation of Business Event Travel

This paper presents findings from a survey of business event participants conducted in February and March of 2023. The survey aims to explore changes in the frequency of travel, motivations for travel, and changes in travel behaviors. Results show promising growth in 2023 and that the desire to network with peers and destination appeal are the strongest factors influencing decisions to travel to business events.

• May 3, 2023 By Thomas A. Hazinski

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , North America , United States

2022 HVS Lodging Tax Report - USA

While the lodging industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, this twelfth annual HVS Lodging Tax Study quantifies the revenue impact of the pandemic over the past year. An analysis of 25 major US hotel markets shows that overall revenues have recovered to 2019 levels, but markets with high levels of leisure demand are faring better. The report provides data on tax rates and the collection and distribution of revenue from lodging taxes levied in all 50 States and the 150 largest US cities.

• October 24, 2022 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Peter J. Gonzalez

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , COVID-19 , North America

Quieting the Noise in Economic Impact Estimates

An assessment of the accuracy of traditional approaches to valuing the economic contribution of convention, sports, and entertainment venues reveals significant limitations of economic impact models that tend to produce noisy and sometimes biased estimates. Venue owners and destination market organizations need improved methodologies to estimate the return on public sector investment in capital improvements, marketing and sales, and venue operations.

• July 13, 2022 By Thomas A. Hazinski

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , North America

2021 HVS Lodging Tax Report - USA

The tenth annual HVS Lodging Tax Study quantifies the revenue impact of the pandemic over the past year. An analysis of 25 major US markets shows losses totaling approximately $1.3 billion in 2020 from historical levels in 2019. HVS forecasts a loss of $1.45 billion in rooms revenue in 2021 from a baseline scenario with no pandemic. HVS also provides historical data on tax rates and revenues from lodging taxes levied in all 50 States and the 150 largest US cities.

• September 13, 2021 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Joseph Hansel

• Convention, Sports, Entertainment , United States , North America

Impact of Recent Federal Stimulus on the Travel Industry

Recent stimulus passed through the federal government will significantly impact recovery for the travel industry. Publicly funded destination marketing organizations (“DMOs”), tourism agencies, and entertainment venues will benefit from provisions of the $900 billion COVID-19 relief package. HVS explains how certain provisions of recent stimulus and President Biden’s proposed stimulus package contribute to recovery of vital sectors of the US economy.

• February 11, 2021 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Joseph Hansel

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , COVID-19 , United States

2020 HVS Lodging Tax Report - USA

The ninth annual Lodging Tax Study also looks forward and assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis of 25 major US markets illustrates the depth of the impact on the hospitality industry and projects a pattern of recovery over the next few years. HVS also provides historical data on tax rates and the collection and distribution of revenue from lodging taxes levied in all 50 States and the 150 largest US cities.

• October 20, 2020 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Joseph Hansel

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , COVID-19 , United States , North America

The Case for Targeted Federal Aid to DMOs and Tourism Agencies

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed at risk the substantial investment of state and local governments in the tourism and hospitality industries. Publicly funded destination marketing organizations (“DMOs”), tourism agencies, and convention centers face budget shortfalls, staffing reductions, and growing financial uncertainty. Targeted federal aid is urgently needed to support DMOs, tourism agencies, and convention centers whose work is critical to the recovery of vital sectors of the US economy.

• June 4, 2020 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Joseph Hansel

• Hotel Operations , Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , COVID-19 , United States , North America

HVS COVID-19 Impact on Lodging Tax Revenues

Based on patterns of recovery following the two most recent recessions, HVS projected the lodging tax revenues of 25 US urban markets. Compared to a baseline scenario without the pandemic, HVS estimates combined lodging tax losses across these markets could range from $4.4 to $6.1 billion. Losses of this magnitude will force stakeholders to consider steps such as debt refinancing or seeking alternative revenue streams until the hospitality industry recovers from this pandemic.

• April 20, 2020 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Joseph Hansel

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , COVID-19 , Illinois

HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Report 2019

In the 8th annual Lodging Tax Report, HVS explores the current status and historical trends of lodging taxes in the USA. This updated version provides lodging tax rates/collections on all 50 US states and 150 US cities.

• October 4, 2019 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Joseph Hansel

HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Report 2018

In this 7th annual Lodging Tax Report, HVS explores the current status and historical trends of lodging taxes in the USA. This updated version provides lodging tax rates/collections on all 50 US states and 150 US cities.

• September 19, 2018 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Anthony Davis , Daniel Kremer

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , United States , North America

HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Report 2017

In the 6th annual Lodging Tax Report, HVS explores the current status and historical trends of lodging taxes in the USA. This updated version provides lodging tax rates/conditions in all 50 US states and 150 US cities.

• September 18, 2017 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Alex Moon , Joe M Moseley

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , North America , United States

HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Report HVS 2016

In the 5th annual Lodging Tax Report, HVS explores lodging tax trends in the USA. This updated version provides lodging tax rates/collections in all 50 US states and 150 US cities, and estimates the impact of Airbnb on lodging tax collections.

• August 29, 2016 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Alex Moon

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , United States , North America

HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Report 2015

In this 4th annual Lodging Tax Study, HVS explores lodging tax trends in the USA. This updated version provides lodging tax rates/collections in all 50 US states and 150 US cities, and estimates the impact of Airbnb on lodging tax collections.

• October 2, 2015 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Alex Moon , Madeleine Rees

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , United States , North America

HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Report 2014

In this third annual Lodging Tax Study, HVS Convention, Sports & Entertainment explores trends in the imposition of lodging taxes in the USA. This updated version provides lodging tax rates/collections in all 50 US states and across 150 US cities.

• October 6, 2014 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Daniel Wonk , Alex Moon

• Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , United States , North America