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. With seven years of governmental experience and over 25 years of consulting experience, he is a widely published industry leader. Tom is also a leading expert on public/private partnerships in hotel development. Tom has helped his clients successfully develop public facilities projects in Chicago, Baltimore, Nashville, New York, San Antonio and many other US markets–large and small. His extensive international experience includes hospitality and mixed-use projects in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Clients

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
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
Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Cedar Rapid IA, City of
Centennial Authority of North Carolina
Charlotte NC, City of
Chicago IL, City of
Chickasaw Nation
Chickasaw Nation
Chilliwack Economic Development Partners
Cicero IL, Town of
City of Albuquerque
Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority
Cobb-Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority
Coleman Research Group, Inc.
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
Dev-Con International LLC
Durango Business Improvement District
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
Evanston IL, City of
Fargo, City of
Fargodome, ND
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 CVB
Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fredericksburg TX, City of
Freeman Coliseum TX
Galveston TX, City of
General Growth Properties
Geneva Palexpo
Gilbert AZ, City of
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)
Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District
Greenville SC, City and County of
Hagerstown/Washington County MD Convention & Visitors Bureau
Harlingen, TX City of
Harlingen, TX, City of
Hawaii Tourism Authority
HCW Development (Branson, Missouri)
Herschend Family Entertainment Corp.
Holland MI, City of
Host Hotel & Resorts
Hubbard Street Dance, Chicago
Huntsville AL, City of
Illinois State University
Independent School District No. 270 (Hopkins, Minnesota)
Intercap Institutional Investors
JBG Associates, LLC
Kansas City Bartle Hall
KPG Real Estate Development
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
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
Miller Capital Advisory Inc.
Miller-Valentine Group
Milwaukee, WI, City of
Minneapolis Airport Hotel
Mission TX, City of
Mission, TX, City of
Moline IL, City of
Monroe County, IN Convention Center Building Corporation
Monterey Conference Center
Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Montgomery County, Tennessee
Montgomery County, TN
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
oveland, 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
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 DeKoven Center
Raleigh NC, City of
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, MN Convention & Visitor Bureau
S. B. Friedman & Company
Saint Louis County, MO
Salem VA, City of
Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau
San Antonio HOT 2016
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
Starwood Development
State of Arizona
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
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
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

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

Current Adjunct Professor, University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy, Graduate Studies in State and Local Government Finance
 
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

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

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 Market Pulse: Hawai‘i Convention Center

This market analysis explores the advantages and disadvantages of the HCC’s position in the convention industry and analyzes the differences in event types, attendance, room nights, and operations between the HCC and comparable mainland centers.

• November 20, 2018 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Anthony Davis

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

This study examines the current status and historical trends of lodging taxes and policy trends in the US and analyzes lodging tax rates and revenues across a broad range of US cities. It includes lodging tax rates/collections on 150 US cities and all 50 US states.

• January 1, 2018 By Thomas A. Hazinski

• Property Tax , North America , United States

Public Involvement in Convention Center Hotel Financing

Public sector involvement in convention center hotels is common due to high cost of development and lack of private capital for such investments. Many communities provide public subsidies to projects that are not feasible on a purely private basis.

• October 24, 2017 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Brian Harris

• Hotel Investments & Ownership , Development & Construction , Brokerage & Transactions , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , United States

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

HVS 2014 Auto Rental Tax Study

The 2014 Auto Rental Tax Study is an examination of the effective tax rates on motor vehicle rentals at the top 100 largest airports as measured by enplanements. The study ranks the tax rates and breaks down its analysis among several vehicle types.

• August 4, 2014 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Daniel Wonk

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

Fact or Folly: A Review of Convention Center Follies

This article responds to Heywood Sanders’ book Convention Center Follies. It argues for a more moderate picture of the state of supply and demand in the convention industry, and it critiques Sanders’ narrative of convention center development.

• July 25, 2014 By Thomas A. Hazinski , John Hazinski

• Development & Construction , Travel & Tourism , Convention, Sports, Entertainment , Economic Trends and Cycles , Mixed Use , North America

HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Study 2013

The 2013 HVS U.S. Lodging Tax Study explores the trends in the imposition of lodging taxes in the United States. This updated version expands the study to provide lodging tax rates/collections in all 50 states and the 150 largest US cities.

• April 7, 2014 By Thomas A. Hazinski

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

What Lodging Taxes tell us about the Great Recession

HVS Convention, Sports and Entertainment analyzed lodging tax revenue across the country to assess the health of the lodging industry. Changes in taxable room revenue show the rate of recovery from the Great Recession.

• October 15, 2013 By Thomas A. Hazinski , Matthew O'Keefe

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