TO: Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Planning and Community Development |
Carol Helland |
425-556-2107 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Planning and Community Development |
Seraphie Allen |
Planning Deputy Director |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Philly Marsh |
Economic Development Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Jackie Lalor |
Economic Development and Tourism Program Administrator |
TITLE:
title
Acceptance of $20,000 Port of Seattle Tourism Advertising Grant
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Port funds will support geo-targeted Pay Per Click campaigns to target visitors with strong flight connections to SEA Airport. High-performing out-of-state markets will be targeted.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
EV-22 Support Redmond’s growth as a tourism destination and foster tourism-related initiatives that bring investment and economic benefit.
Adopted 2024 Tourism Strategic Plan:
1.1: Promote Redmond as an intercultural destination by arts, events, and dining options.
1.6: Support Redmond’s transportation programs that provide visitor infrastructure.
1.11: Encourage extending leisure stays during business trips to facilitate additional nights for travelers to experience the destination’s offerings.
Adopted 2024 Economic Development Strategic Plan:
Action 3G.2. Support Redmond’s Tourism Program and the Tourism Strategic Plan to align the City’s tourism efforts for economic impact.
• Required:
(RCW) 67.28.1816:
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Timeline of Ads will target the tourism shoulder season of September 2026 - March 2027
OUTCOMES:
This advertising program is specifically structured to generate measurable overnight stays, increase shoulder-season occupancy, and grow visitor spending connected to SEA.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$30,000: $20,000 Port Grant and $10,000 lodging tax advertising budget
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000304 - Community and Economic Development
Budget Priority:
Vibrant and Connected
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
Lodging Tax
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
6/16/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
We need a signed contract with the Port of Seattle before we begin advertising.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
We would not receive the $20,000 Port of Seattle grant.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Port of Seattle Tourism Advertising Grant Contract