Title
Agenda Item:
2013 Tourism Promotion Proposal Process
Body
Issue:
Agree on 2013 process and timeline so public notice can be given in a timely fashion.
City Manager’s Recommendation:
Do not accept proposals for event operating expenses due to a scheduled change in State law.
Staff Contact:
Cathie Butler, Communications Manager, 360.753.8361
Background and Analysis:
Dates -
Traditionally, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee has accepted proposals in September, reviewed them in October, and presented it's annual recommendation to Council as part of the city's budget presentation in November.
Staff recommends the same process for 2013.
· Proposal Due Date: Friday, September 21, 5:00 p.m.
· Committee Review: Afternoon meeting sometime the weeks of October 7 or 14
· 2nd Review, if needed: ??
· Presentation to Council: Monday, November 5
· Council Public Hearing: Tuesday, November 13
Proposal Solicitation -
Due to declining revenues, the past three years you limited proposals to groups who submitted past proposals. Do you wish to open the process for proposals from any interested non-profit group or government agenda.
Eligible Services -
The section of State law that allows Lodging Tax to be used for event operating expenses is scheduled to sunset on June 30 (Attachment #1). No one knows whether the Legislature will remove the sunset. Given this uncertainty, staff recommends not accepting proposals for event operating expenses such as event space rentals, supplies, entertainment costs. Still eligible: operation of a tourism marketing agency such as the Visitor and Convention Bureau; tourism marketing and promotion costs; capital costs of a tourism-related facility.
Proposal Format -
Should groups making a proposal submit a letter that addresses specific questions, or fill out a form? The past three years, you have asked for letters addressing specific information. Prior to that applicants had to fill out a form (which is difficult for some to do depe...
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