Responsibilities

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) advises the City Council on the allocation of lodging tax revenue for programs and activities that will encourage tourism in Federal Way. 

The membership of the LTAC is appointed by the City Council and consists of up to seven members: one member is an elected official of the city who serves as the chair; three members are representatives of businesses required to collect the tax; and three members are persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by revenue received from the tax. 

Current Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Members

• Lydia Assefa-Dawson, Council Member (Position 1 - Chair)
• Chris Jordan, King County Aquatic Center (Position 2)
• Kristin Wells, Courtyard by Marriott (Position 3)
• Stacia Winters, Federal Way Performing Arts & Events Center (Position 4)
• Carmelo Lopez, Hilton (Position 5)
• Janie Bube, Pacific Bonsai Museum (Position 6)
• Juliana Bliss, Holiday Inn Express & Staybridge Suites (Position 7)

Meetings

2:00 pm
Second Tuesday of each month 
City Calendar

Please call for location or refer to the latest agenda packet.

Current and past meeting packets and agendas

Tourism Enhancement Grant Application - Click this link to access your Tourism Enhancement Grant Application. 

• Tourism Enhancement Grant Application
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Overview & Instructions
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting Calendar
• Tourism Enhancement Grant Key Meeting Dates

Lodging Tax Funds & Tourism Enhancement Grant (TEG)

Purpose

The City of Federal Way uses lodging tax funds to help build a strong visitor economy. These funds support initiatives that attract both day and overnight visitors and help position Federal Way as a fun and welcoming destination in the Puget Sound region.

What Is Lodging Tax Funding?

The City of Federal Way receives 1% of lodging taxes collected on most overnight stays in hotels and motels within the City. These funds—commonly referred to as lodging or hotel/motel funds—may only be used for tourism-related purposes as defined by Washington State law.

One component of this program is the Tourism Enhancement Grant (TEG), a competitive grant program supporting sports, cultural, arts, and community events, as well as non-event tourism programs that occur within Federal Way.

• All funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis

• Funds are not released until all contractual requirements are met and documentation is received

Eligible Uses of Lodging Tax Funds

Washington State law strictly limits how lodging tax funds may be used. Eligible uses include:

• Tourism marketing

• Marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract visitors

• Operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by a municipality or public facilities district

• Operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations

Application Process

All lodging tax funding applications must be reviewed and approved by both the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) and the Federal Way City Council. Applications must include projected visitor estimates for the event or activity being funded.

Grants are awarded twice per year through a competitive process.

Tourism Enhancement Grant Application - Click this link to access your Tourism Enhancement Grant Application.

The following outlines the grant cycle process when applying for lodging tax funding:

• Tourism Enhancement Grant Application
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Overview & Instructions
• Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting Calendar
• Tourism Enhancement Grant Key Meeting Dates

Thinking About Applying or Have Questions?

Applicants are encouraged to connect with City staff prior to submitting an application.