TO: Members of the City Council
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
Approval of the 2026 Tourism Grant Funding - Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Recommendations
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Per RCW 67.28.1816, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) unanimously recommends the 2026 Tourism matching grants of $175,000 and City Community Events and Cultural Arts Program allocations of $150,000, for a total of $325,000. Funding for the tourism matching grants comes from 1% lodging tax on Redmond hotels and motels through the Lodging Tax Tourism Fund.
body
? Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
? Receive Information ? Provide Direction ? Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
* Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan:
* 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:
* Goal 1.1: Position and promote Redmond as an intercultural destination showcasing various cultures through arts, events, and dining options.
* Goal 1.18: Promote parks in Redmond's urban centers as a destination, fostering a diverse range of programming to maintain its vibrancy and activate the surrounding area.
* Goal 2.2: Promote recreational fields, trails, and water for tournaments, competitions, and events to recreational and athletic organizations.
* Goal 3.1: Work with the LTAC to prioritize support for events and festivals that include an overnight component.
Adopted 2024 Economic Development Strategic Pl...
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