Solvang, a quaint California town modeled after a traditional Danish village, has been left reeling after its mayor, David Brown, was accused of secretly launching a tourism app for personal gain. The app, Solvang Passport, has drawn scrutiny from residents and City Council members, who say they were blindsided by the project. Critics have raised concerns over whether city funds were used in its development and whether the app unfairly promotes select local businesses.
The smartphone app invites tourists and locals to make Solvang their own personal 'playground' by highlighting dozens of local businesses. Users can scan QR codes—referred to as stamps—at each location to collect points towards rewards such as discounts. However, small businesses must pay a $250 monthly fee to be featured, a condition that has sparked controversy.
At a February 23 City Council meeting, Solvang Skate Shop owner Robby Hargreaves questioned whether it was 'fair and just' for all businesses. Councilmember Elizabeth Orona later added on March 9: 'The app actually creates incentives to visit these select businesses but leaves other businesses out. And for that promotion, the mayor is asking for those businesses to pay him $250 a month.'
Mayor Brown explained that he discussed the app's creation with the City Council's legal team and, when asked if it was generating revenue, replied: 'Not yet. I hope it is. Stand by.' The issue landed on the March 23 City Council agenda, where members debated how to respond. Brown recused himself from that portion of the meeting.
Solvang City Attorney Chelsea O'Sullivan reported that an audit found the mayor had used a snippet from a city marketing video on the app site without authorization, which has since been removed. Councilmember Elizabeth Orona also noted 'exact copies' of application downloads and 'copy and paste' phrases from the city's official website. Councilmember Louise Smith, who owns a business in town, expressed feeling blindsided and suggested a cease and desist, stating it was 'not appropriate' for the mayor to run such a venture while holding office.
Not everyone opposed the app. Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Orona, who owns Solvang Trolley Ice Cream Parlor—a featured business—said it wasn't costing the city any money. The council continues to deliberate on potential actions against both the app and the mayor.
