During his 15-year tenure as the founding executive, John helped guide Mammoth Lakes through a period of significant growth, challenges, and community investment while strengthening MLT’s internal team, partnerships, and strategic direction to widely recognized professional organization it is today.
“I'm proud of my time here at Mammoth Lakes Tourism and all the major accomplishments my team and I have made over the years. Together, we’ve promoted our town to visitors while developing education and stewardship messaging that bolsters respect for our local community and environment” said John Urdi, President & CEO, Mammoth Lakes Tourism.
A defining milestone of his tenure was the implementation of the Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) in 2013, making Mammoth Lakes the first destinations in the world to expand the assessment beyond lodging to also include restaurants, retail, and the ski area. “I am most proud of pioneering a new TBID funding structure that broke the mold, creating a dedicated and stable funding stream for our town,” he added.
Pat Foster, Chair of the MLT Board of Directors, adds, “This groundbreaking TBID model drives steady revenue growth for our town. What averaged $10.5 million in TOT annually in the decade prior to the TBID, now approaches nearly $30 million per year.”
These visitor-generated revenue streams have contributed to more than $70 million invested locally, including almost $40 million invested in multiple workforce housing projects, transit and sidewalk upgrades, multi-use paths, recreational amenities, crisis and wildfire resilience work, and the Community Recreation Center. These investments have strengthened both the quality of life for residents and the long-term sustainability of the local economy.
Urdi also helped establish stewardship as a cornerstone of MLT’s mission, expanding educational initiatives and partner programs that support responsible recreation. His leadership helped position the community in partnership with MLT to now undertake a comprehensive Destination Stewardship Plan. A long-term framework John is deeply proud to see moving forward.
Justin Simpson, Chair of the Visit Huntington Beach Board of Directors added, “Urdi is a proven leader with the vision, experience, and community-focused approach needed to take VHB to the next level”.
Foster added, “Thanks to years of thoughtful leadership and the dedication of our incredible team, MLT is entering this transition from a position of strength. We are excited to welcome a leader who will build on our progress.”
MLT is grateful for John’s impact and wishes him and his family well in this new endeavor.
