Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Agendas and Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available upon adoption.
For Agendas and Minutes since January 1, 2021, please visit the City's new Agenda Center.
For Agendas and Minutes prior to January 1, 2021, please visit the Agendas & Minutes Archive.

UnSplash photo cr adrianPurpose

The purpose of the committee is to review grant applications and make recommendations to City Council regarding allocation of local lodging tax funds, and to review and comment on any proposed imposition of lodging tax, increase in the rate of lodging tax, repeal of an exemption from lodging tax, or change in the use of revenue received from lodging tax.

Organization

The committee is comprised of the mayor who serves as chairman, two representatives of businesses required to collect lodging tax, two representatives involved in activities eligible for funding by lodging tax revenue, and a staff Liaison (non-voting member). 

Meetings are as called, usually in the fall at the City of Monroe Council Chambers

Membership

Organizations representing businesses collecting the lodging tax, and organizations involved in activities authorized to be funded by the lodging tax, and local agencies involved in tourism promotion may submit recommendations to the city council for membership on the committee. The committee members representing business and persons involved in activities shall be appointed by the city council. The term of membership shall be through June 30th of the year following appointment; provided, that a member’s term shall not expire until the appointment of a new member is effective.  

Committee Member
Geoffrey Thomas - Mayor, Chairman
Rich Huebner - Staff Liaison
Doug Hobbs - High Road Promotions
Mike Buse - Monroe Chamber of Commerce
Elmer Kim - Evergreen Inn & Suites
Hotelier Position - VACANT

2020 Lodging Tax Funding Recipients

Between July 1 and August 1, 2019, the City of Monroe’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee accepted applications for 2020 Lodging Tax Funding to cover the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. 

2020 LTAC Funding Recommendation Matrix

Priority consideration was given to applications that feature events scheduled from November through April of each year and that promote tourism activities during November through April of each year. To be considered for funding, the request must be used for one of the following reasons (RCW 67.28.1816):

  • Tourism marketing;
  • Marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourist;
  • Operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations as defined by the IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6).

2021 Application Cycle

Due to COVID-19, the City has not yet finalized the 2021 application schedule. This process generally begins with an Advisory Committee meeting in April to review funding priorities and finalize the application schedule. With the governor’s Stay Home/Stay Healthy order in effect, this meeting has yet to take place.

Following the lifting of the order, the Advisory Committee will meet and finalize the application schedule. At that time, the open houses will be scheduled and the City will begin accepting applications for 2021 events and projects. It appears likely at this time that the application process will be shifted later into the year, and more information will be shared when available.