HomeMy WebLinkAbout03122026 LTAC Agenda PacketMarch 12, 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Page 1
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Special Meeting Agenda
Thursday, March 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Notice is hereby given that the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) will hold a hybrid Special
Meeting on Thursday, March 12th, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM in the City Council Chambers in City Hall
located at 321 E. 5th Street, Port Angeles, WA. This meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting. In
hybrid meetings, members of the public, Committee members, and City staff have the option to attend the
meeting in person, at City Hall or remotely via telephone or video link.
Audio only: 1-844-992-4726
Access code: 2551 187 0361
Webinar password: miU7c3CBjd8 (64872322 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Once connected, press *3 to raise your virtual hand if you wish to make a comment or public testimony.
You will be notified when it is your turn to speak. This access code is good for the March 12, 2026 meeting
only.
Webex link: https://cityofpa.webex.com/cityofpa/j.php?MTID=mcd9fd62092c037415fb68918d7d72130
To make a public comment, please use the “raise your hand” feature in Webex. You will be notified when
it is your turn to speak. The meeting is open to the public.
I.CALL TO ORDER
II.ROLL CALL
III.COMMITTEE INTRODUCTIONS
IV.APROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the November 13, 2025 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meeting.
V.PUBLIC COMMENT
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee desires to allow the opportunity for Public Comment. However,
business must proceed in an orderly and timely manner. Visit https://www.cityofpa.us/984/Live-
Virtual-Meetings to learn how to participate during public comment and or watch the meeting live.
Written public comments can be submitted to lodgingtaxadvisorycommittee@cityofpa.us, comments
will not be read aloud.
VI.DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
1.Discussion: LTAC Orientation. Staff presentation of the State Revised Code of
Washington regulatory guidance and 2026 LTAC Funding Workplan and Procedures.
2. Action: Review and Recommend Award of Round 2 2026 Lodging Tax Application
Proposals. Review LTAC member scoring for Round 2 of the 2026 Lodging Tax
(LTAX) Fund Request For Proposals and make award recommendations for the 2026
LTAX budget to the City Council based on the LTAC Funding Workplan and Procedures
guidance document.
VII.STAFF UPDATES
1.February 2026 Lodging Tax Report
VIII.COMMITTEE MEMBER UPDATES
IX.ADJOURNMENT
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Port Angeles, Washington
November 13, 2025
10:00 a.m.
This meeting was conducted as a hybrid meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Carr called the meeting of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to order at 10:01 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Navarra Carr, Christine Loewe, Caitlin Sullivan (attending virtually), Sam Grello, Sara Olsen,
David Mattern and John Hughes.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Ben Braudrick, Hailey Jones, Aubrianna Winn, Courtney Bornsworth, Sarina Carrizosa, and Tim
Tucker.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Mattern to:
Approve the September 11, 2025 minutes.
Motion carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Carr recognized the large audience and noted that due to the number of individuals signed up for public
comment, she announced public comment would be limited to two minutes per person for meeting efficiency.
Steve Raider-Ginsburg, city resident, spoke in favor Field Arts & Events Hall application for lodging tax funding.
Don Corson, did not specify residency, spoke in favor of the Port Angeles Arts Council application for lodging tax
funding.
Jarrette Hanson, not a city resident, spoke in favor of the Port Angeles High School Band Boosters application for
lodging tax funding.
Lee Whetham, city resident, spoke in favor of the Port Angeles Salmon Club application for lodging tax funding.
Robert Beausoleil, city resident, spoke in favor of the Port Angeles Salmon Club application for the lodging tax
funding.
Scott Sherer, city resident, spoke in favor of the KSQM application for the lodging tax funding.
Roxanne Greeson, city resident, thanked the LTAC committee and spoke in favor of the Hubbub application for
lodging tax funding.
Laurie Thorpe, not a city resident, spoke in favor of the Outdoor Recreation Collaborative application for lodging
tax funding.
Marsha Massey, part-time resident, spoke on behalf of Olympic Peninsula Tourism Marketing and reasons for the
missing application.
Laurie Mittman, city resident, spoke to the City of Port Angeles Right-of-Way application and the City of Port
Angeles Staff Time application.
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LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE – November 13, 2025
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Tim Tucker, city resident, spoke on behalf of the City of Port Angeles Parks & Recreation application.
Mary-Sue French, city resident, thanked the Committee and spoke on behalf of Port Angeles Arts Council
application for lodging tax funds.
Steve Zenovic, not a city resident, spoke in favor of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center application for lodging tax
funds.
Kylan Johnson, city resident, spoke on behalf of Wander Fuca and the contract that was previously awarded to them.
Kari Chance, city resident, spoke in favor of all events and tourism in Port Angeles and asked the Committee to fund
fully as many applications as they can.
Kelly Johnson, city resident, thanked the committee and all applicants and spoke against the COPA Staff time
application for lodging tax funding.
Steven Pelayo, did not specify residency, spoke against the COPA Staff Time application for lodging tax funding.
DISCUSSION/ ACTION ITEMS
1.Review and Recommend Award of Annual 2026 Lodging Tax Application Proposals
Planning Supervisor Braudrick introduced the LTAC member scoring for the 2026 Lodging Tax (LTAX) Fund RFP.
Chair Carr spoke to potential conflicts of interest and that members of the Committee will need to recuse themselves
when the time comes in the discussion.
Chair Carr opened the floor for Committee discussion.
It was moved by Mattern and seconded by Grello to:
Fund the following capital applications at the requested amount:
LPBMX $84,217
Peninsula Trails Coalition $20,000
Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts $25,500
PA Arts Council $1,000
Concerts on the Pier $13,000
City of Port Angeles Public Works Department $30,000
Motion carried 6-1, with Sullivan opposed.
Due to a conflict of interest, Committee member Loewe recused herself during Committee discussion on PA Fine Art
Center and City of Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Department capital funding applications. Committee member
Loewe stepped out of the Council Chambers at 10:51 a.m.
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Mattern to:
Fully fund the following capital applications at the requested amount:
PA Fine Arts Center $126,472
City of Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Department $25,000
Motion carried 6-0, with Loewe recused.
Parks & Recreation Manager Tim Tucker answered Committee questions regarding the COPA Parks & Recreation
application before the vote took place.
Committee member Loewe returned to the Council Chambers at 10:53 a.m.
Chair Carr opened the floor for Committee discussion on event application funding. The Committee asked clarifying
questions of several of the applicants in attendance.
Victoria Jones, on behalf of the Port Angeles Marathon Association, fielded Committee questions regarding the
application for lodging tax funding.
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LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE – November 13, 2025
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Lindy Hopie, on behalf of the Feiro Marine Life Center, fielded Committee questions regarding the application for
lodging tax funding.
Howie Ruddell, on behalf of the Port Angeles Youth Basketball, fielded Committee questions regarding the
application for lodging tax funding.
Representatives (names not provided) on behalf of the Top Left Trails Co-op, fielded Committee questions
regarding the application for lodging tax funding.
Robert Beausoleil, on behalf of the Port Angeles Salmon Club, fielded Committee questions regarding the
application for lodging tax funding.
Jarrette Hanson, on behalf of the Port Angeles High School Band Booster, fielded Committee questions regarding
the application for lodging tax funding.
Representative (name not provided) on behalf of KSQM, fielded Committee questions regarding the application for
lodging tax funding.
Finance Director Sarina Carrizosa and Planning Supervisor Ben Braudrick on behalf of COPA Staff Time
application for lodging tax funding.
Due to a conflict of interest regarding the GOPA LLC application, Committee member Grello recused himself and
stepped out of the Council Chambers at 11:54 p.m.
It was moved by Loewe and seconded by Mattern to:
Fully fund the following event applications at the requested amounts:
Peninsula Adventure Sports $10,000
GOPA LLC $10,000
COPA Visit Port Angeles $266,000
Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce $142,324
Port Angeles Marathon Association $29,000
Feiro Marine Life Center $2,100
Music on the Straits $15,000
Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts $25,000
Port Angeles Arts Council $11,074
Motion carried 6-0, with Grello recused.
Committee member Grello returned to the Council Chambers at 11:55 p.m.
Chair Carr asked if there were other applications the Committee would like to discuss. Due to a conflict of interest
regarding the Port Angeles Waterfront District application, Committee member Grello recused himself and left the
Council Chambers at 11:56 p.m.
It was moved by Mattern and seconded by Carr to:
After the motion was made and amended, the final motion passed:
Fully fund following event applications at the requested amounts:
Hurricane Ridge WSEF $40,610
N-Dub Productions $22,500
Port Angeles Waterfront District $50,000
Field Hall $255,000
Peninsula Trails Coalition $22,500
Top Left Trails Co-op $11,345
Dungeness Crab Festival $55,000
Motion carried 6-0, with Grello recused.
Committee discussion took place prior to the vote.
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LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE – November 13, 2025
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Committee member Grello returned to the Council Chambers at 12:05 p.m.
It was moved by Mattern and seconded by Hughes to:
Fully fund Port Angeles Youth Basketball at the requested amount $90,000.
Motion carried 4-3, with Carr, Sullivan and Loewe opposed.
Due to a conflict of interest, Committee member Loewe recused herself during Committee discussion on the Port
Angeles Fine Art Center event application. Committee member Loewe stepped out of the Council Chambers at 12:09
p.m.
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Mattern to:
Fully fund Port Angeles Fine Arts Center at the requested amount of $40,000.
Motion carried 6-0, with Loewe recused.
Committee member Loewe returned to the Council Chambers at 12:10 p.m.
Due to a conflict of interest, Chair Carr herself during Committee discussion on the Community Boating Program
event application. Chair Carr stepped out of the Council Chambers at 12:11 p.m. Committee member Grello took over
Chair duties during Chair Carr’s absence.
It was moved by Sullivan and seconded by Mattern to:
Fully fund the Community Boating Program at the requested amount of $14,162.
Motion carried 6-0, with Carr recused.
Chair Carr returned to the Council Chambers at 12:12 p.m.
It was moved by Mattern and seconded by Sullivan to:
Not fund the Flow Forward Health LLC funding request.
Motion carried 7-0.
Committee discussion took place before the vote.
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Carr to:
Not fund the Outdoor Recreation Collaborative funding request.
Motion carried 7-0.
Committee discussion took place before the vote.
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Olsen to:
Fully fund the following event applications at the requested amount:
The Hubbub $19,000
Olympic Peninsula Rowing 2 $2,500
Port Angeles Salmon Club $10,000
Concerts on the Pier $10,500
Motion carried 6-1, with Sullivan opposed.
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Mattern to:
Fully fund the event applications at the requested amounts:
PAHS Band Boosters $18,750
Olympic Peninsula Rowing 1 $2,500
North Olympic Baseball and Softball $30,297
COPA ROW $10,000
Motion carried 6-1, Sullivan opposed.
Committee discussion took place before the vote.
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Mattern to:
Fund KSQM funding request at a percentage of the ask at $1,750.
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LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE – November 13, 2025
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Motion carried 7-0.
It was moved by Olsen and seconded by Sullivan to:
Fund the COPA Staff Time application request at the amount awarded in 2024, in the amount of $55,824.
Motion carried 5-2, with Mattern and Loewe opposed.
Committee discussion took place before the vote.
It was moved by Grello and seconded by Mattern to:
Open a second request for proposal for applications 2026 in order to review and make funding recommendations to
City Council.
Motion carried 7-0.
It was moved by Mattern and seconded by Grello to:
Recommend to City Council the funding amounts approved by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
Motion carried 7-0.
STAFF UPDATES
No updates were given.
COMMITTEEE MEMBER UPDATES
No reports were given.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Carr adjourned the meeting at 12:31 p.m.
_____________________________________ _______________________________
Navarra Carr, Chair Aubrianna Winn, Acting Clerk
March 12, 2026 Page 6
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Date: March 12, 2026
To: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
From: Ben Braudrick, Planning Supervisor
Courtney Bornsworth, Natural Resources and Grant Administrator
Sarina Carrizosa, Finance Director
Subject: 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Orientation
Background / Analysis:
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews and recommends approval of funding proposals
for the final LTAX fund budget to City Council each year in adherence with RCW 67.28.1816. Funding
can be provided in the budget for any of the following purposes: the operation of tourism-related facilities
and events, marketing services that promote tourism in Port Angeles, and the construction and
maintenance of City-owned tourism-related facilities such as City parks and recreation facilities.
In conjunction with the statutory requirements for proper funding disbursement, the Port Angeles City
Council has annually adopted by resolution a policy, procedure, and workplan document to assist City
staff, LTAX Fund applicants, the LTAC, and City Council with navigating the budget, application,
review, and funding award process. This resolution began in 2018 with four funding policies. It now
includes:
• A vision statement focused on how LTAX funds should be allocated.
• Goals that support LTAX fund growth, creativity, improved visitor experience, partnerships, and
collaboration.
• Definitions pulled directly from RCW to ensure recommendations by LTAC members meet
statutory requirements.
• Funding priorities that assist guiding what requests should be acknowledged as permissible and
of those what should be given priority by the Committee.
• Funding disbursement categories for approximate allocation.
• Use of excess funds and reserves in the annual budget recommendation.
• Scoring criteria for application review.
• Meeting procedures to set annual meeting topics.
• Request for proposal application procedures.
Summary: The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews and recommends the approval of
funding proposals for the final Lodging Tax (LTAX) fund budget to City Council each year in adherence
with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28.1816. Funding can be provided in the budget for any of
the following purposes: the operation of tourism-related facilities and events, marketing services that
promote tourism in Port Angeles, and the construction and maintenance of City-owned tourism related
facilities such as City parks and recreation facilities. To do this, the Committee has created a Funding
Work Plan and Procedures document that is reviewed each year by the LTAC and City Council and
adopted by City Council by Resolution.
Funding: N/A
Recommendation: Information only.
March 12, 2026 Page 7
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The procedures and workplan resolution is meant to be reviewed annually by the LTAC and adopted by
City Council to ensure that as Port Angeles grows and changes the use of the funds continues to fit the
needs of our community.
2026 City Council Resolution
On December 16, 2025 City Council voted to direct staff to bring an amendment to the current Funding
Work Plan and Procedures resolution to set policy for the LTAC that includes fully funding the
administrative costs of the LTAC to City Council prior to the next LTAC meeting.
With that motion, staff brought to City Council an updated 2026 LTAC Funding Work Plan and
Procedures for adoption at the February 3, 2026 Council meeting to include funding the Lodging Tax
program Administration and Fiscal Oversight at 12% of the annual budget. The Council voted to adopt
Resolution 02-26, updating the 2026 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Work Plan and
Procedures (See Attachment 1).
Attachments:
1. Resolution 02-26: 2026 Port Angeles Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Work Plan and
Procedures
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2026 Port Angeles Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Funding Work Plan and Procedures
(Adopted by City Council under Resolution 02-26)
Vision:
To best utilize lodging tax funds to create a welcoming and inviting community with facilities and
activities that increase tourism-related revenue through a sustainable visitor experience.
Goals:
1. Foster and maintain a healthy and diverse tourism sector that continues to thrive.
2. Fully utilize and promote creative uses of existing facilities.
3. Improve the quality of experience and relationships for tourists and residents while diminishing
any negative impacts from tourism-related activities and traffic.
4. Promote partnerships and increase tourism by concentrating on priorities identified by both
residents and the tourism industry.
5. Focus on our unique Port Angeles assets that make us a premier destination for environmentally
and fiscally sustainable recreation and tourism.
6. Encourage collaboration recognizing that Olympic Peninsula-based tourism supports and
benefits all communities.
Definitions:
1. “Events or Festivals” are held on specific dates related to programming for entertainment,
competition, education, arts and culture, and celebration. Events are not required to occur
within city limits but must demonstrate support of tourism-related facilities and/or lodging
facilities within Port Angeles.
2. "Operation" includes, but is not limited to, operation, management, and marketing.
3. “Peak tourism season” is defined by the period of the year where lodging tax revenue is at its
peak in the months of June through September.
4. "Tourism" means economic activity resulting from tourists, which may include sales of overnight
lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs.
5. "Tourism promotion" means activities, operations, and expenditures designed to increase
tourism, including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing
information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to
expand tourism; operating tourism promotion agencies; and funding the marketing of or the
operation of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists.
6. "Tourism-related facility" means real or tangible personal property with a usable life of three or
more years, or constructed with volunteer labor that is: (a)(i) Owned by a public entity; (ii)
owned by a nonprofit organization described under section 501(c)(3) of the federal internal
revenue code of 1986, as amended; or (iii) owned by a nonprofit organization described under
March 12, 2026 Page 9
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section 501(c)(6) of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, as amended, a business
organization, destination marketing organization, main street organization, lodging association,
or chamber of commerce and (b) used to support tourism, performing arts, or to accommodate
tourist activities.
Funding Priorities:
1. Support the increase of tourism capacity, where capacity is defined as the broad number
activities within the community a visitor can attend, visit, or take part in when staying overnight.
2. Assist the maintenance and establishment of tourism-related capital facilities including:
a. Wayfinding and interpretative signage
b. Public restrooms
c. Public art
d. Transportation facilities,
e. Passive recreational park facilities (benches, walkways, pedestrian scale lighting,
landscaping etc.)
f. Active recreational facilities (ball fields, trails, playgrounds, wheel-based recreation,
water-based recreation, etc.).
3. Support efforts to improve information on attractions and facilities.
4. Support Port Angeles as its own destination marketing organization.
5. Support regional Olympic Peninsula-wide collaborative tourism marketing.
6. Support a long-term established visitor center facility.
7. Fund proposals that encourage and enhance tourism during the off-peak season (October-May)
8. Promote tourism that highlights Port Angeles assets – its natural beauty, geology, outdoor
activities, anthropology, community events, lifelong learning opportunities, history, culture, and
the arts.
9. Develop key community assets that function as destinations or venues for multipurpose events
and festivals on a year-round basis.
10. Create partnerships and synergies with existing organizations to develop and promote
attractions and events for visitors.
11. Develop innovative opportunities that improve the tourist/resident relationship
12. Improve effectiveness of coordinated transportation and trail linkages.
13. Support of organizations and projects that promote coordination and cooperation in tourism
activities.
14. Lend support to a diverse range of tourism sustainable activities to encourage visitors to enjoy
longer stays and return often.
15. Encourage events to become self-sufficient or demonstrate innovative techniques in marketing,
event expansion, or extending participant stays in Port Angeles.
16. Encourage the creation of new events and festivals in the off-peak seasons that drive an
increase in lodging tax.
17. Encourage the potential growth of existing events. Support of organizations and projects that
promote coordination and cooperation in tourism activities.
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18. Support the development of innovative opportunities that improve the tourist/resident
relationship.
19. Support operations that demonstrate regional marketing and marketing partnerships with other
local/regional marketing organizations.
20. Support projects that demonstrate a clear marketing strategy and business goals.
HIGH PRIORITY may be given to tourism activities that:
1. Have a demonstrated potential or high potential from the Committee’s perspective to result in
overnight stays by visitors in lodging establishments for projected nonpeak periods in Port
Angeles.
2. Promote Port Angeles events, activities, and places in Port Angeles to potential visitors from
outside the County.
3. Have demonstrated a high potential from the Committee’s perspective to result in documented
economic benefit to Port Angeles.
4. Have demonstrated history of success or are proposed by a group with a demonstrated history
or high potential of success with similar activities.
5. Minimize duplication of services where appropriate and encourage cooperative marketing
and/or includes an element of cooperation or partnership.
6. Provide, maintain, operate, or enhance City-owned tourism facilities or infrastructure.
Annual Funding Disbursement:
The expected outcome of the funded activities is to increase economic activity in Port Angeles through
the overnight lodging of tourists, through tourism-related expenditures, and construction of tourism-
related facilities in accordance with RCW 67.28.1816.
Funding categories and their percentage of annual budgeted expenditures should approximate:
1. Supporting the operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned or
operated by a municipality or a public facilities district created under chapters 35.57 and 36.100
RCW. Reserves are to be taken from the initial annual projected available revenues prior to LTAC
consideration of expenditure allocation and budget for the annum up to 20% plus 5% reserved.
2. Tourism-related marketing; the marketing and operations of special events and festivals
designed to attract tourists; and supporting the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or
operated by nonprofit organizations described under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3) and 26 U.S.C. Sec.
501(c)(6) of the internal revenue code of 1986, as amended up to 75%.
3. Lodging Tax program Administration and Fiscal Oversight – 12%
Annual Excess Reserve Funding
As a part of the annual budget process, and in accordance with City Financial Policies, staff reserve 25%
of planned budgetary expenses into a reserve fund only to be used in the event of a budget shortfall.
The remainder of this reserve is excess to the immediate annual reserve needs. The excess reserves shall
be used annually in the following manner:
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1. An additional $200,000 of excess reserve shall be added to the annual 25% reserve to only be
used in the event of a budget short fall. This additional amount may be released for other uses
upon recommendation from the committee if economic conditions improve.
2. The remainder of the total excess reserves shall be made available in the following year’s annual
budget for disbursement to eligible application proposals.
3. Any remaining excess reserves not allocated to proposals during the LTAC annual budget
recommendation may be considered for use each spring will require the same application
process.
Scoring Criteria for Capital Expenditures and Public Facilities Districts – 25 possible points:
1. There is evidence provided that this project will help increase opportunities for sustainable
tourism activities.
2. There is evidence provided that the expenditure will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays
and return.
3. The proposal provides a clear timeline for action defined and the proposal reflects enough detail
to effectively determine potential for success.
4. The budget provided reflects a clear understanding of the costs associated with this project and
there is evidence that this budget is based on market research, structured estimates, or
estimates provided by contractors.
5. The proposal will support our local economy through local contracts, retail purchases, or
partnerships.
Scoring Criteria for Tourism Marketing, Tourism-related Operations, and Events – 25 possible points:
1. There is evidence provided that the proposal will help increase or sustain opportunities for
tourism related activities.
2. There is evidence provided that this organization or proposal will encourage visitors to enjoy
longer stays or engage in return visits.
3. The proposal provides clear evidence that this organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar activities.
4. The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used to help sustain a tourism-related
business.
5. The project lends itself to the complement of other events in the community and helps create a
diversity of opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education, historic significance, or
conference).
6. Bonus (Staff allocated) Operations and efforts are targeting the tourism shoulder season – 3
points or off season – 5 points.
Each criterion will be evaluated on the following spectrum:
Strongly Agree – 5 pts
Agree – 4 pts.
Neutral – 3 pts.
Disagree – 2 pts.
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Strongly Disagree – 1 pt.
Did not answer – 0 pts.
Meeting Procedures and Workplan
1. Regular LTAC meetings are two hours long.
2. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month.
3. The LTAC regularly holds a minimum of four open public meetings per year and requests for
LTAX Fund application proposals a minimum of once per year:
a. March: New business, LTAC and LTAX fund orientation, Guidance document review.
b. June: Recommended revisions to guidance document, Destination Marketing
Presentation.
c. September: Committee Orientation to LTAX Application Review
d. November: Annual LTAX Fund RFP award recommendation to City Council.
LTAX Fund RFP Application Procedures
1. The annual application window will open the Friday after City Council approves the annual
budget recommendation.
2. The RFP application window is at minimum 14 days.
3. Applications must be sent to ced@cityofpa.us on or before 5:00 PM of the closing date. Late
applications will not be accepted.
4. Applications requesting funding for events must be for events that have not yet taken place.
5. At the request of CED, the City Attorney’s office will review all applications and determine
whether the request is eligible for funding prior to LTAC review.
6. Events requesting operations funding must demonstrate annual service and operational impact
to the LTAX Fund.
7. All Committee application criteria scoring will be compiled and made available in the meeting
agenda packet.
Please note:
• All capital requests on city owned property or within city right of way requires explicit written
City permission that may include City Council approval.
• Public works as defined by RCW’s 39.04.010 and 39.12.020 require prevailing wage for
reimbursement.
• All LTAX Fund recipients must provide a final report detailing the results of the LTAX Award
expenditures that includes information for the State Joint Legislative Audit Review Committee.
March 12, 2026 Page 13
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Date: March 12, 2026
To: Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
From: Ben Braudrick, Planning Supervisor
Courtney Bornsworth, Natural Resources and Grant Administrator
Sarina Carrizosa, Finance Director
Subject: 2026 LTAX Fund Round Two RFP Application Review and Recommendations
Background / Analysis:
2026 Preliminary Annual Lodging Tax Budget Recommendation
At the November 13, 2025 LTAC Meeting, after reviewing applications, the LTAC recommended by a
vote of 7-0 the award of thirty-seven (37) 2026 Lodging Tax (LTAX) applications and a final 2026
budget of $1,597,925. This left a variance of $162,975 that the LTAC recommended to City Council be
utilized for a second-round application period for funding at the beginning of 2026. The initial budget and
2026 Round 2 application opening recommendations were approved by City Council at the December 16,
2025 Council meeting.
The Committee has recommended 20% of Lodging Tax expenditures be related to capital projects, in
addition to 5% of this budget held for capital facilities reserve. The remaining available budget can be
expended as recommended by the Committee, including additional capital expenditures. LTAC policy
also includes holding excess reserves in the amount of $200,000 for emergency purposes. These reserve
funds can be made available for expenditure upon recommendation of the LTAC.
Excess 2025 Revenue Collection
The 2025 Revenue collection in this fund was higher than anticipated in the budget. This resulted in an
estimated excess fund balance at the end of the 2025 fiscal year of $260,085 that could also be utilized for
the second-round applications.
2026 Annual Lodging Tax (LTAX) Round Two Request for Proposals (RFP) Application Process
The RFP was issued for the 2026 Round Two LTAX Fund Application on January 1, 2026. The round
two application was advertised in the following ways:
Summary: The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews and recommends approval of
funding proposals for the final Lodging Tax (LTAX) fund budget each year. Funding can be provided in
the budget for any of the following purposes: the operation of tourism-related facilities and events,
marketing services that promote tourism in Port Angeles, and the construction and maintenance of City-
owned tourism related facilities such as city parks and recreation facilities. The approved budget proposal
and any excess fund balance that has resulted from higher-than-expected lodging tax collection in the
previous year may be used to fund application proposals.
Funding: The round one variance of $162,975 from the FY2026 Lodging Tax budget of $1,760,900 is
available for the Round Two funding cycle. Additionally, $200,000 in emergency reserves has been held
in accordance with LTAX policy and would be available for use if recommended by the LTAC. Capital
reserves are available per policy in the amount of $58,600 if recommended for use by the Committee.
Recommendation: Staff recommends that the LTAC review the Round Two Committee scoring sheets,
recommend funding to applications by motion, and recommend the amended FY2026 LTAX budget to
City Council by motion.
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1. As a newsflash on the City’s website.
2.On the City’s opt-in bids and RFP’s webpage and notification.
3.In an email to the previous years’ applicants.
Applications were due at 11:59 PM on January 25, 2026. After initial review by the Legal Department,
eleven (11) applications were then reviewed by the LTAC with a total request amount of $272,120. The
chart below provides the balance and request for funding by category:
Request Type Request
Amount Available Balance Balance less
request
Capital Balance $ 52,000 $ 0 $ (52,000)
Remaining Balance $ 226,120 $ 162,975 $ (63,145)
Total $ 272,120 $ 162,975 $ (109,145)
Capital Reserve Available $58,600 $ 58,600
Available Emergency Reserve $ 200,000 $200,000
Excess Reserve from 2025 $260,085 $260,085
Total Reserves Available $ 518,685 $ 518,685
The LTAC were provided all applications with scoring sheets that reflected the scoring criteria for each
category in the LTAC Funding Work Plan and Procedures document. Staff has compiled the individual
LTAC scoring and provided a ranking based on the average score of each application. Although the
requests exceed the approved 2026 Budget balance, the Capital, 2025 Excess and Emergency Reserves
may be used to cover the remaining requests, in the amount of $109,145, should the Committee
recommend it. In total $518,685 remains in these reserve types, demonstrated in the table above, for use
on applications. Any remaining excess reserve balance from 2025 will automatically be included in the
available budget for the upcoming year per LTAC procedures. See Attachments 1 and 2 for Committee
scoring and average ranking.
Attachments:
1.2026 LTAX Capital Application Committee Scoring and Ranking
2. 2026 LTAX Marketing/Operations/Events Application Committee Scoring and Ranking
March 12, 2026 Page 15
Attachment 1: Round 2 Capital Request LTAC Scoring and Ranking
Rank Applicant Request
Amount
Committee
Average Score
1 Port Angeles Waterfront District 12,000$ 22.0
2 City of Port Angeles Public Works Department 30,000$ 19.6
Total Request 42,000$
Total Available 58,600$
March 12, 2026 Page 16
2026 LTAX Round 2 Capital Request Scoring Sheet
Organization:COPA Public Works
Request Type:Capital Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Race Street Trail Corridor Maintenance
Request Amount:40,000$
Overall Budget:2,200,000$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
4 5 0 3 3 3 1.9
4 5 4 3 2 3.6 1.1
5 5 5 3 4 4.4 0.9
5 5 5 3 3 4.2 1.1
5 5 5 3 4 4.4 0.9
23 25 19 15 16 19.6 4.3
Link to Application
Total
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that this project will help
increase opportunities for tourism sustainable activities.(5
pts.)
There is evidence provided that the project will encourage
visitors to enjoy longer stays and return. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides a clear timeline for action defined
and the proposal reflects enough detail to effectively
determine potential for success. (5 pts.)
The budget provided reflects a clear understanding of the
costs associated with this project and there is evidence that
this budget is based on market research,structured
estimates, or estimates provided by contractors. (5 pts.)
The proposal will support our local economy through local
contracts, retail purchases, or partnerships.(5 pts.)
March 12, 2026 Page 17
2026 LTAX Round 2 Capital Request Scoring Sheet
Organization:Port Angeles Waterfront District
Request Type:Capital Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Street Pole Decorations
Request Amount:12,000$
Overall Budget:230,000$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
4 5 3 3 3.75 1.0
4 5 3 3 3.75 1.0
5 5 5 4 4.75 0.5
5 5 4 5 4.75 0.5
5 5 5 5 5 0.0
23 25 20 20 22 2.4
Link to Application
Total
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that this project will help
increase opportunities for tourism sustainable activities.(5
pts.)
There is evidence provided that the project will encourage
visitors to enjoy longer stays and return. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides a clear timeline for action defined
and the proposal reflects enough detail to effectively
determine potential for success. (5 pts.)
The budget provided reflects a clear understanding of the
costs associated with this project and there is evidence that
this budget is based on market research,structured
estimates, or estimates provided by contractors. (5 pts.)
The proposal will support our local economy through local
contracts, retail purchases, or partnerships.(5 pts.)
March 12, 2026 Page 18
Attachment 2: 2026 Round 2 Marketing and Operations Request
LTAC Scoring and Ranking
Rank Applicant Request
Amount
Committee
Average Score
1 Feiro Marine Life Center 17,210$ 30.0
2 Port Angeles Waterfront District 12,700$ 29.3
3 Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission (Co-Op)27,000$ 29.2
4 Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission (Annual)33,000$ 29.2
5 GOPA LLC 5,000$ 29.0
6 Story People of Clallam County 3,000$ 28.4
7 Port Angeles Community Players 7,000$ 26.6
8 Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts 42,500$ 23.6
9 COPA Program Oversight 78,710$ 20.6
Total Request 226,120$
Round 1 Variance from 2026 Budget Available 162,975$
Emergency Reserves Available 200,000$
Total Available 362,975$
March 12, 2026 Page 19
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:City of Port Angeles
Request Type:Operations Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:LTAX Program Operational Costs
Request Amount:78,710$
Overall Budget:134,534$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
5 5 5 1 0 3.2 2.5
5 5 5 1 0 3.2 2.5
5 5 5 1 0 3.2 2.5
3 5 5 1 0 2.8 2.3
5 5 5 1 0 3.2 2.5
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
28 30 30 10 5 20.6 12.1
Link to Application
Total
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 20
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:Feiro Marine Life Center
Request Type:Operations Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Facility Operations
Request Amount:$17,210
Overall Budget:$590,600
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
30 30 30 30 30.0 0.0
Link to Application
Total
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 21
2026 LTAX Round 2 Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:GOPA LLC
Request Type:Event Marketing & Operations Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Squatchcon marketing and operations
Request Amount:5,000$
Overall Budget:65,000$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
4 5 5 5 4.8 0.5
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
4 5 4 5 4.5 0.6
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
4 5 5 5 4.8 0.5
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
27 30 29 30 29.0 1.4
Link to Application
Total
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 22
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts
Request Type:Event marketing & operations Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Arts in Action marketing & operations
Request Amount:42,500$
Overall Budget:647,220$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
3 5 5 5 5 4.6 0.9
3 5 4 5 5 4.4 0.9
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
4 5 4 5 5 4.6 0.5
0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0
20 25 23 25 25 23.6 2.2
Link to Application
Total
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 23
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission
Request Type:Marketing Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Annual marketing partner support
Request Amount:33,000$
Overall Budget:393,000$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 3 4.6 0.9
5 5 5 5 3 4.6 0.9
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
30 30 30 30 26 29.2 1.8
Link to Application
Total
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 24
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission
Request Type:Marketing Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Co-Op Marketing Funds
Request Amount:27,000$
Overall Budget:393,000$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 3 4.6 0.9
5 5 5 5 3 4.6 0.9
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
30 30 30 30 26 29.2 1.8
Link to Application
Total
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 25
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:Port Angeles Waterfront District
Request Type:Event marketing & operations Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Tree lighting ceremony
Request Amount:12,700$
Overall Budget:230,000$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
4 5 5 5 4.8 0.5
4 5 5 5 4.8 0.5
5 5 4 5 4.8 0.5
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
28 30 29 30 29.3 1.0
Link to Application
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Total
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 26
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:Port Angeles Community Players
Request Type:Event Marketing & Operations Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:Autumntide Shadow Festival
Request Amount:7,000$
Overall Budget:72,400$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
4 4 5 5 5 4.6 0.5
5 4 5 5 5 4.8 0.4
4 5 4 5 5 4.6 0.5
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
4 4 5 5 5 4.6 0.5
3 3 3 3 3 3.0 0.0
25 25 27 28 28 26.6 1.5
Link to Application
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Total
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 27
2026 LTAX Marketing Operations Fund LTAC Scoring
Organization:Story People of Clallam County
Request Type:Event marketing & operations Link to Funding Workplan and Procedures Document
Request For:3-day storytelling festival
Request Amount:3,000$
Overall Budget:22,757$
CL CS DM JH KD SG SO Avg.St.Dev.
5 3 5 5 5 4.6 0.9
5 3 5 5 5 4.6 0.9
5 4 4 5 5 4.6 0.5
5 4 5 5 5 4.8 0.4
5 4 5 5 5 4.8 0.4
5 5 5 5 5 5.0 0.0
30 23 29 30 30 28.4 3.0
Link to Application
Staff Allocated Bonus - Operations and efforts are
targeting the tourism shoulder season (3 pts) or off
season (5 pts).
Total
Scoring Criteria
There is evidence provided that the proposal will help
increase or sustain opportunities for tourism related
activities (5 pts.)
There is evidence provided that this organization or
project will encourage visitors to enjoy longer stays or
engage in return visits. (5 pts.)
The proposal provides clear evidence that this
organization can successfully draw tourists and
demonstrate a history of high success with similar
activities. (5 pts.)
The proposal clearly reflects how the funds will be used
to help sustain a tourism-related business. (5 pts.)
The project lends itself to the complement of other
events in the community and helps create a diversity of
opportunities (arts, culture, recreation, education,
historic significance, or conference). (5 pts)
March 12, 2026 Page 28
Clal. Co January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD
2026 $87,681.56 $87,230.28 $174,911.84 $174,911.84 10.50%172.86%
2025 $78,176.28 $80,109.20 $132,147.05 $29,901.94 $144,364.00 $166,996.94 $261,607.97 $310,019.47 $273,876.06 $259,368.45 $213,857.31 $121,600.22 $2,072,024.89 $158,285.48 20.37%146.93%
2024 $60,741.79 $70,762.03 $112,927.33 $115,299.87 $140,885.40 $156,244.77 $205,662.20 $266,244.40 $280,495.48 $266,399.45 $217,226.17 $123,943.88 $2,016,832.77 $131,503.82 14.66%105.15%
2023 $58,949.27 $55,738.41 $99,500.62 $63,119.24 $110,307.80 $134,698.33 $180,516.76 $234,491.47 $265,256.38 $230,245.41 $203,092.91 $100,920.77 $1,736,837.37 $114,687.68 -7.21%78.91%
2022 $61,655.81 $61,942.93 $94,697.66 $102,318.23 $121,982.73 $126,841.89 $153,765.97 $198,802.60 $224,118.46 $212,620.30 $182,578.41 $110,337.43 $1,651,662.42 $123,598.74 31.63%92.82%
2021 $41,234.47 $52,664.55 $73,732.76 $71,384.48 $114,540.40 $130,026.22 $151,555.38 $193,691.88 $192,217.99 $198,433.27 $169,412.80 $95,934.87 $1,484,829.07 $93,899.02 33.66%46.48%
2020 $32,556.07 $37,693.92 $40,679.21 $39,731.36 $6,289.26 $2,198.56 $43,110.81 $102,444.89 $160,075.87 $132,469.30 $124,311.26 $66,996.65 $788,557.16 $70,249.99 9.59%9.59%
2019 $21,055.74 $43,046.43 $37,244.32 $28,807.02 $63,079.64 $65,055.68 $93,931.88 $135,017.28 $156,745.60 $152,906.83 $131,121.09 $63,596.63 $991,608.14 $64,102.17
Pt Angeles January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $45,148.40 $37,795.73 $82,944.13 $82,944.13 -0.25%37.39%
2025 $31,937.07 $51,214.58 $53,293.52 $49,459.15 $68,890.81 $71,673.46 $128,493.61 $214,080.78 $251,280.99 $231,374.08 $168,187.08 $78,915.11 $1,398,800.24 $83,151.65 0.85%37.74%
2024 $32,226.49 $50,223.27 $39,212.16 $69,558.60 $83,193.91 $101,515.07 $107,133.96 $166,815.76 $248,211.21 $221,424.28 $158,483.33 $79,660.38 $1,357,658.42 $82,449.76 9.28%36.57%
2023 $39,646.93 $35,798.37 $46,591.47 $58,992.73 $73,588.70 $88,799.83 $123,124.35 $160,665.60 $231,241.01 $212,086.03 $179,946.56 $69,717.38 $1,320,198.96 $75,445.30 8.67%24.97%
2022 $37,706.01 $31,718.02 $41,282.90 $50,058.81 $67,040.22 $73,265.10 $102,061.88 $130,873.85 $202,015.13 $188,341.61 $136,124.80 $79,898.40 $1,140,386.73 $69,424.03 21.00%15.00%
2021 $29,706.66 $27,669.61 $34,779.78 $35,259.89 $55,570.09 $68,735.54 $81,724.74 $123,597.72 $194,139.64 $180,458.08 $78,632.65 $87,518.66 $997,793.06 $57,376.27 -11.40%-4.96%
2020 $34,334.66 $30,426.63 $28,744.11 $31,752.03 $14,023.82 $5,387.68 $21,148.05 $37,748.92 $85,301.46 $100,138.89 $71,138.54 $47,848.92 $507,993.71 $64,761.29 7.27%7.27%
2019 $29,107.95 $31,261.66 $26,222.34 $22,065.27 $39,640.08 $48,157.01 $72,624.87 $96,293.39 $142,359.68 $144,375.36 $94,453.64 $52,463.96 $799,025.21 $60,369.61
Sequim January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $21,892.60 $13,052.38 $34,944.98 $34,944.98 -8.09%14.51%
2025 $22,108.02 $15,914.14 $20,337.58 $16,520.14 $28,502.34 $34,043.80 $61,136.11 $107,896.25 $111,291.31 $89,442.40 $53,915.07 $28,581.75 $589,688.91 $38,022.16 2.32%24.60%
2024 $21,129.62 $16,028.74 $21,146.78 $34,211.74 $38,808.18 $44,846.28 $51,035.42 $94,164.75 $68,906.03 $129,816.91 $54,323.38 $29,985.26 $604,403.09 $37,158.36 -14.70%21.77%
2023 $24,114.78 $19,449.48 $22,585.68 $24,531.48 $28,138.20 $40,697.46 $48,902.96 $86,134.08 $99,044.34 $82,704.66 $57,735.28 $25,668.78 $559,707.18 $43,564.26 12.68%42.76%
2022 $19,944.37 $18,715.99 $20,211.44 $27,275.46 $30,515.01 $29,776.90 $55,423.76 $69,937.34 $85,749.60 $70,343.96 $77,956.25 $27,614.08 $533,464.16 $38,660.36 22.19%26.69%
2021 $16,542.54 $15,096.62 $20,862.28 $27,091.77 $28,950.88 $41,323.43 $53,995.58 $60,732.77 $50,049.48 $96,659.96 $45,675.45 $27,574.44 $484,555.20 $31,639.16 1.60%3.68%
2020 $14,435.53 $16,706.72 $17,118.28 $15,188.08 $4,791.47 $15,904.01 $16,176.22 $24,528.28 $58,171.52 $36,833.06 $38,134.39 $25,872.15 $283,859.71 $31,142.25 2.05%2.05%
2019 $15,982.29 $14,533.37 $13,513.48 $13,753.99 $24,683.51 $25,005.68 $38,439.35 $45,097.27 $68,994.24 $63,544.40 $42,190.78 $34,093.55 $399,831.91 $30,515.66
Forks January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $31,651.36 $22,457.36 $54,108.72 $54,108.72 21.29%260.25%
2025 $23,754.65 $20,856.37 $37,605.40 $34,362.80 $51,761.45 $50,612.02 $82,133.36 $97,253.12 $106,680.53 $98,444.58 $79,699.81 $49,573.19 $732,737.28 $44,611.02 16.13%197.01%
2024 $17,585.39 $20,830.21 $31,577.98 $34,854.63 $50,069.60 $51,945.54 $69,397.43 $74,238.12 $83,866.12 $100,345.73 $64,657.54 $54,634.72 $654,003.01 $38,415.60 13.87%155.76%
2023 $19,062.47 $14,673.91 $26,494.31 $27,981.59 $35,900.21 $35,609.87 $51,502.75 $66,612.64 $87,112.29 $69,883.08 $59,562.27 $34,059.84 $528,455.23 $33,736.38 25.82%124.61%
2022 $15,177.37 $11,634.90 $20,071.35 $24,744.51 $27,189.49 $30,800.76 $40,135.51 $54,601.76 $57,910.36 $60,177.42 $50,155.28 $35,089.42 $427,688.13 $26,812.27 23.34%78.51%
2021 $11,870.47 $9,868.20 $13,837.32 $13,862.82 $27,560.75 $29,628.50 $35,278.02 $49,920.41 $51,139.37 $57,454.61 $42,069.36 $25,839.09 $368,328.92 $21,738.67 23.56%44.73%
2020 $9,609.28 $7,984.88 $8,996.30 $8,947.36 $8,756.91 $648.59 $7,845.14 $17,587.44 $33,530.16 $42,082.24 $30,870.12 $21,251.12 $198,109.54 $17,594.16 17.14%17.14%
2019 $8,841.54 $6,178.36 $8,335.22 $11,118.42 $11,925.56 $16,154.91 $26,893.64 $33,349.29 $41,329.82 $42,993.27 $30,125.36 $16,484.04 $253,729.43 $15,019.90
Jeff. Co January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $35,614.46 $38,917.13 $74,531.59 $74,531.59 -11.98%8.26%
2025 $41,547.24 $43,126.45 $40,226.10 $32,871.82 $54,906.62 $64,268.11 $91,401.19 $100,446.44 $87,880.70 $90,709.41 $77,874.08 $48,800.40 $774,058.56 $84,673.69 10.68%23.00%
2024 $38,324.51 $38,180.22 $33,816.10 $41,251.65 $52,202.74 $62,402.88 $68,790.07 $94,291.87 $103,725.45 $92,663.28 $81,777.38 $54,909.26 $762,335.41 $76,504.73 -16.23%11.13%
2023 $38,585.12 $52,737.59 $71,172.47 $142,896.71 $56,232.42 $60,370.02 $68,684.39 $91,609.47 $98,727.44 $93,073.23 $79,199.32 $49,318.21 $902,606.39 $91,322.71 10.09%32.65%
2022 $39,468.68 $43,484.52 $40,797.64 $55,439.56 $60,886.96 $64,213.58 $82,763.16 $99,377.25 $113,177.85 $46,239.34 $87,442.65 $59,924.17 $793,215.36 $82,953.20 -1.43%20.50%
2021 $38,925.82 $45,229.94 $46,407.13 $43,406.48 $65,961.50 $69,432.85 $70,727.44 $85,104.28 $90,607.51 $67,898.24 $102,436.87 $53,062.58 $779,200.64 $84,155.76 30.53%22.24%
2020 $31,208.52 $33,263.68 $28,921.38 $28,566.17 $11,196.91 $533.76 $22,715.37 $41,591.37 $75,131.03 $78,437.33 $75,232.02 $54,415.58 $481,213.12 $64,472.20 -6.35%-6.35%
2019 $28,817.97 $40,024.49 $24,277.10 $21,724.70 $40,545.40 $42,349.77 $47,889.57 $69,624.83 $87,495.61 $59,893.26 $64,163.76 $41,780.75 $568,587.21 $68,842.46
Pt Town January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $28,544.54 $26,913.89 $55,458.43 $55,458.43 -11.28%-2.53%
2025 $34,131.52 $28,377.43 $26,993.82 $28,606.28 $32,877.70 $38,700.18 $46,832.50 $61,383.30 $79,167.88 $73,812.98 $64,630.74 $40,011.48 $555,525.81 $62,508.95 -3.76%9.86%
2024 $33,325.46 $31,625.90 $24,463.86 $31,819.78 $34,404.50 $46,078.18 $51,531.62 $70,844.89 $96,773.54 $84,807.63 $73,230.48 $46,285.68 $625,191.52 $64,951.36 -25.75%14.16%
2023 $56,413.84 $31,062.76 $23,460.18 $30,351.98 $37,679.22 $44,754.59 $51,449.27 $67,147.87 $83,971.10 $92,652.96 $74,081.59 $47,710.72 $640,736.08 $87,476.60 30.45%53.75%
2022 $33,015.90 $34,042.91 $20,884.09 $29,606.77 $37,389.56 $31,409.19 $50,459.79 $49,784.62 $54,139.79 $128,765.18 $64,468.02 $68,201.07 $602,166.89 $67,058.81 61.02%17.86%
2021 $21,393.25 $20,252.85 $19,399.19 $21,639.46 $38,131.79 $35,371.78 $44,684.07 $64,751.90 $77,672.97 $81,453.56 $58,652.34 $41,675.55 $525,078.71 $41,646.10 -32.95%-26.80%
2020 $32,168.38 $29,943.18 $25,007.02 $18,176.86 $12,145.41 $4,877.35 $10,074.67 $32,855.52 $40,203.86 $45,121.84 $56,031.27 $32,941.20 $339,546.56 $62,111.56 9.16%9.16%
2019 $31,064.06 $25,832.94 $26,895.65 $21,384.31 $34,548.20 $40,498.09 $47,394.37 $60,561.56 $82,013.38 $89,017.30 $61,722.25 $43,381.46 $564,313.57 $56,897.00
YTD-over-YTD
% change from
2019
Data is acquired from the Dept. of Revenue (www.dor.wa.gov. There is a two month lag between tax collection and reporting. This reflects the reporting dates. Figures are the combined total of "Special Hotel/Motel" and "Transient Rental" taxes. Percent change
is the amount changed from one year (month to date) vs. the prior year (month to date). Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, and Mason County figures refer to lodgings within the respective unincorporated counties, excluding the other municipalities listed. 2025
Factors: Easter break late April (vs. March 2024). Port Angeles: Some reduction of STVR inventory '25 vs. 24. Sequim: Two major hotels with temporarily reduced inventory . Jefferson County: 15% inventory reduction Kalaloch. Pt. Townsend: Loss of Ft.
Worden inventory (Jan. 25 - 85 units). Other factors: Drop in Canadian travel. Cancellations of government business/travel freeze.
% Change
over prior
YTD
February 2026 Room Tax Report
Datasource: Washington Dept of Revenue
Compiled by OPVB Page 1 of 2 3/3/2026March 12, 2026 Page 29
GHC January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $155,035.16 $155,690.05 $310,725.21 $310,725.21 1.85%42.97%
2025 $156,543.34 $148,546.62 $143,895.18 $103,171.03 $174,660.56 $240,606.48 $229,430.05 $336,463.27 $513,863.12 $545,929.58 $271,119.19 $163,320.79 $3,027,549.21 $305,089.96 -0.20%40.37%
2024 $148,193.89 $157,499.57 $123,929.58 $160,089.57 $174,397.33 $200,904.57 $229,646.01 $316,257.70 $504,326.14 $529,104.19 $279,289.20 $163,155.46 $2,986,793.21 $305,693.46 12.37%40.65%
2023 $139,826.67 $132,216.53 $139,986.97 $137,406.53 $169,158.39 $225,295.09 $221,593.04 $322,990.57 $485,569.86 $475,226.71 $294,176.40 $177,392.53 $2,920,839.29 $272,043.20 -25.53%25.17%
2022 $200,051.49 $165,251.74 $173,344.13 $198,550.60 $194,435.68 $251,676.25 $222,216.35 $309,597.61 $449,459.48 $470,056.72 $284,227.52 $204,428.00 $3,123,295.57 $365,303.23 16.00%68.08%
2021 $163,455.33 $151,458.09 $165,857.08 $158,110.02 $227,172.49 $259,836.06 $258,628.56 $345,427.97 $437,552.54 $459,824.68 $329,354.11 $203,581.18 $3,160,258.11 $314,913.42 43.56%44.89%
2020 $107,691.21 $111,676.01 $98,994.00 $100,371.96 $40,635.18 $21,656.17 $152,778.09 $206,945.35 $334,312.32 $322,585.87 $291,095.32 $192,631.07 $1,981,372.55 $219,367.22 0.93%0.93%
2019 $102,909.29 $114,433.41 $96,832.56 $87,023.39 $126,354.51 $156,435.02 $153,527.59 $220,231.99 $321,894.62 $352,375.57 $203,314.40 $113,788.10 $2,049,120.45 $217,342.70
Mason Co January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $54,042.18 $63,948.08 $117,990.26 $117,990.26 -5.55%53.85%
2025 $60,609.92 $64,307.36 $67,032.86 $0.00 $87,309.48 $92,129.87 $143,437.62 $144,845.90 $132,683.05 $126,423.15 $78,609.25 $59,519.30 $1,056,907.76 $124,917.28 -1.84%62.88%
2024 $57,850.29 $69,407.08 $66,164.28 $75,192.48 $94,343.10 $92,374.38 $102,389.48 $125,357.37 $154,029.19 $145,372.45 $96,664.58 $64,570.15 $1,143,714.83 $127,257.37 24.28%65.94%
2023 $49,680.94 $52,715.40 $66,073.45 $53,542.98 $79,767.71 $83,681.92 $100,482.93 $125,383.85 $154,040.34 $143,465.68 $96,301.09 $61,082.79 $1,066,219.08 $102,396.34 -2.82%33.52%
2022 $52,626.05 $52,740.94 $54,848.06 $66,961.90 $82,481.51 $81,911.30 $76,419.32 $103,214.15 $140,312.32 $133,572.06 $98,607.16 $75,248.06 $1,018,942.83 $105,366.99 36.28%37.39%
2021 $34,594.19 $42,724.13 $41,657.39 $50,623.94 $75,985.97 $83,727.89 $85,175.91 $98,683.49 $105,649.79 $111,013.69 $80,629.03 $59,267.21 $869,732.63 $77,318.32 21.83%0.82%
2020 $31,314.22 $32,150.44 $30,791.06 $31,993.26 $12,187.26 $4,516.34 $30,770.14 $61,326.82 $82,275.33 $88,480.56 $65,498.51 $48,699.22 $520,003.16 $63,464.66 -17.25%-17.25%
2019 $30,095.47 $46,595.52 $24,616.02 $24,443.49 $36,924.43 $38,702.51 $47,304.43 $61,277.03 $82,197.42 $83,452.47 $50,981.86 $35,411.70 $562,002.35 $76,690.99
Shelton January February March April May June July August September October November December Full Year YTD % Change % Change
2026 $3,319.52 $3,135.24 $6,454.76 $6,454.76 -12.42%-4.03%
2025 $3,797.54 $3,572.40 $4,132.78 $3,655.84 $5,268.32 $5,517.70 $6,475.74 $6,203.98 $8,950.70 $8,210.30 $6,126.84 $3,372.70 $65,284.84 $7,369.94 -20.83%9.58%
2024 $5,534.66 $3,774.92 $4,678.94 $2,821.00 $4,875.88 $4,839.72 $5,226.96 $6,263.26 $7,546.18 $6,549.34 $5,724.22 $4,758.28 $62,593.36 $9,309.58 2.53%38.42%
2023 $4,768.02 $4,311.46 $3,152.28 $3,675.67 $4,255.14 $4,153.86 $5,975.88 $7,200.20 $8,485.20 $6,932.92 $6,327.32 $6,318.16 $65,556.11 $9,079.48 -2.20%34.99%
2022 $5,301.72 $3,981.96 $4,086.44 $3,077.98 $4,329.87 $5,342.04 $5,220.18 $6,411.76 $7,699.56 $7,041.18 $5,814.64 $6,805.74 $65,113.07 $9,283.68 43.12%38.03%
2021 $3,507.72 $2,979.00 $3,617.06 $3,167.68 $4,748.30 $4,787.16 $4,995.16 $6,067.50 $6,847.04 $6,465.02 $5,485.90 $3,782.20 $56,449.74 $6,486.72 -0.47%-3.55%
2020 $3,579.84 $2,937.72 $2,817.24 NA $1,877.78 $3,115.18 $3,446.58 $4,007.32 $4,361.12 $5,695.20 $4,310.88 $4,195.34 $40,344.20 $6,517.56 -3.10%-3.10%
2019 $3,549.69 $3,176.13 $3,680.30 $3,468.74 $2,158.72 $5,113.21 $4,313.81 $4,940.31 $5,584.00 $5,682.24 $5,100.66 $4,091.58 $50,859.39 $6,725.82
Data is acquired from the Dept. of Revenue (www.dor.wa.gov. There is a two month lag between tax collection and reporting. This reflects the reporting dates. Figures are the combined total of "Special Hotel/Motel" and "Transient Rental" taxes.
Percent change is the amount changed from one year (month to date) vs. the prior year (month to date). Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, and Mason County figures refer to lodgings within the respective unincorporated counties, excluding the other
municipalities listed. 2025 Factors: Easter break late April (vs. March 2024). Port Angeles: Some reduction of STVR inventory '25 vs. 24. Sequim: Two major hotels with temporarily reduced inventory . Jefferson County: 15% inventory reduction Kalaloch.
Pt. Townsend: Loss of Ft. Worden inventory (Jan. 25 - 85 units). Other factors: Drop in Canadian travel. Cancellations of government business/travel freeze.
Datasource: Washington Dept of Revenue
Compiled by OPVB Page 2 of 2 3/3/2026March 12, 2026 Page 30
2026 Lodging Tax
Advisory Committee
Orientation
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 1
LTAC Background
and Process
•Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
(LTAC) meets to review applications.
•The LTAC makes a recommendation
to City Council for the approval of
funding proposals in adherence with
RCW 67.28.1816.
•City Council accepts/rejects the
LTAC’s recommendation.
•If rejected, LTAC meets again to
review the Council’s request.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 2
RCW 67.28.1816
•Tourism marketing;
•Marketing and operations of special
events and festivals designed to
attract tourists;
•Supporting the operations and capital
expenditures of tourism-related
facilities owned or operated by a
municipality;
•Supporting the operations of tourism-
related facilities owned or operated
by nonprofit organizations.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 3
Policies, Procedures & Workplan
•Vision statement.
•Goals to support LTAX fund growth, creativity, improved visitor experience, partnerships, and collaboration.
•Definitions from the RCW to ensure recommendations from the LTAC meet statutory requirements.
•Funding priorities.
•Funding disbursement categories for approximate allocations.
•Excess funds and reserves.
•Scoring criteria.
•Meeting procedures.
•Request for proposal application procedures.
•Reviewed annually by the LTAC and adopted by City Council
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 4
2026 City Council Resolution
•December 16, 2025: City Council voted to direct staff to bring an amendment to the current Funding Work Plan and Procedures resolution before the next LTAC meeting.
•Amendment would: set policy for the LTAC that includes fully funding administrative costs of the LTAC.
•February 3, 2016: Staff brought to Council an amended 2026 LTAC Funding Work Plan and Procedures for adoption to include funding the Lodging Tax Program Administration and Fiscal Oversight at 12% of the annual budget.
•Council adopted Resolution 02-26, updating the 2026 LTAC Funding Work Plan and Procedures.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 5
Round Two Funding Opportunity
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 6
City Council
approved the LTAC’s
recommendation to
open a second round
of funding.
Application period
was open from
January 1 –25.
Eleven applications
were reviewed by the
LTAC with a total
request amount of
$272,120.
2026 Lodging Tax
Fund Round Two RFP
Application Review
and Recommendation
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 1
2026 Preliminary LTAX Budget
•37 applications recommended for funding at the November 13,
2025 LTAC meeting.
•Council approved a final 2026 LTAX budget of $1,597,925.
•Variance of $162,975 to be used for round two applications.
•$260,085 in excess 2025 revenue collection available for round
two applications.
•$58,600 Capital reserves available.
•Excess reserves of $200,000 available upon LTAC’s
recommendation.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 2
2026 Round Two RFP Application
Process
•January 1 –25, 2026•Initial review by the Legal Department.•Eleven applications were reviewed by the LTAC.•Total request amount: $272,120•$518,685 remains in reserves in addition to the $162,975 variance from round one funding.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 3
Recommendation
•Staff is recommending that the
LTAC recommends fully funding
all eleven applications and sends
the amended FY2026 LTAX budget
to City Council by motion.
LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING –MARCH 12, 2026 4