Title
Information on Review Process of Upcoming Lodging Tax Funding Applications
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Information on review process and use of Submittable for reviewing applications
Staff Contact:
Amelia Layton, Cultural Access Senior Program Specialist, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3808
Presenter(s):
Amelia Layton, Cultural Access Senior Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
Each year LTAC review and score Lodging Tax Funding applications in order to make a funding recommendation to City Council.
Staff will present to the LTAC with information needed to access the applications and review using the review rubric.
Climate Analysis:
Tourism inherently has a climate impact due to the requirement of travel.
Equity Analysis:
The inclusion of questions around accessibility considerations is the first step to encourage applicants and funded organizations to build their event/activity/facility to be inclusive to everyone’s participation. The addition of the non-discrimination language in the application indicates the seriousness of which the City of Olympia takes discrimination and that failure to comply will impact funding. Along with the inclusion of the applicant’s mission statement helps reviewers to ensure values of the organizations are in alignment with the values of Olympia.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
N/A
Options:
N/A
Financial Impact:
Anticipated new Lodging Tax revenue for 2026 at $625,000 and the estimated fund balance to start 2026 (also referred to as reserves) is estimated at $1,170,000
Attachments:
N/A