TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Planning and Community Development
Carol V. Helland
425-556-2107
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Planning and Community Development
Seraphie Allen
Deputy Director
Planning and Community Development
Philly Marsh
Planning Manager, Economic Development
Planning and Community Development
Jackie Lalor
Program Administrator, Tourism
TITLE:
title
Approval of the 2023 Tourism Funding Recommendations
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Council is being asked to approve the unanimous recommendation of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) for allocation of the 2023 Tourism matching grants in the amount of $154,000 and City Community Events and Cultural Arts Programs allocations in the amount of $146,000. These grants are paid for from the 1% lodging tax on Redmond hotels and motels through the Tourism Fund.
body
? Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
? Receive Information ? Provide Direction ? Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
* Relevant Plans/Policies:
Comprehensive Plan, Long-Term Recovery Plan, RMC Title 4
* Required:
N/A
* Council Request:
N/A
* Other Key Facts:
* The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28.180 provides authority for cities to adopt a lodging tax.
* The City of Redmond has adopted a 1% lodging tax rate and may invest these revenues into events or programs that attract visitors to Redmond.
* A lodging tax of 1% is collected from overnight stays at hotels located within Redmond and allocates these revenues to the Lodging Tax Fund ("Tourism Fund").
* As defined by RCW 67.28, the purpose of the Lodging Tax Fund is to increase tourism in Redmond by attracting visitors from more than 50 miles away, especially overnight visitors who stay in Redmond hotels.
* In 2005, City Council approved the distribution of lodging tax funds to be as follows: 50% marketing, 39% city events and arts, 9% grants, and 2% administr...
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