Title
2027 Lodging Tax funding application process
Recommended Action
For information and discussion only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Information on the 2027 funding guidelines, application, and review process.
Staff Contact:
Amelia Layton, Senior Program Specialist, Community Planning, 360.570.3808
Presenter(s):
Amelia Layton, Senor Program Specialist
Background and Analysis:
The City of Olympia uses lodging tax funds to support and encourage tourism and overnight stays in Olympia. Washington State law strictly limits how lodging tax funds can be used. Lodging tax funds must be used for activities, operations, and expenditures to increase tourism from 50+ miles away (day and overnight).
Each year LTAC review and score Lodging Tax Funding applications in order to make a funding recommendation to City Council.
The purpose of this discussion is to review and consider possible adjustments to the program application, review scale, timing, and review process prior to the 2027 funding cycle.
Climate Analysis:
This discussion has no direct climate implications. However, 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 Lodging Tax revenue for 2027 at $1,050,000
Attachments:
Draft Guidelines