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2026 City of Everett Lodging Tax Grants (LTAC Grants)

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Opportunity Details
Evaluation & Scoring

Opportunity Information

Title
2026 City of Everett Lodging Tax Grants (LTAC Grants)
Description
Hotel/motel tax fund grants, commonly referred to as LTAC grants, are grants available for non-profits and public agencies. Grant funds support initiatives that promote tourism spending and paid overnight lodging in the City of Everett, Washington. LTAC grants are crucial in boosting tourism economies and improving visitor experiences. The 2026 Everett LTAC grant cycle will prioritize operational support. Applications requesting funding for marketing-only activities will not be considered. Events and programs seeking tourism marketing support are encouraged to apply to the Snohomish County Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Grant Program, which accepts applications on a rolling monthly basis and is specifically designed to fund marketing that drives overnight stays in Snohomish County and Everett. LTAC grants typically fund projects that enhance tourism development, such as special events and festivals, film productions, meetings, conventions, and sporting events. Funds are available on a calendar year (January 1 - December 31) basis. Funds do not 'rollover' into the next program year, and any unexpended funds at the end of the year cannot be combined for a future ask. The grant program is made possible through taxes travelers pay when they stay in paid lodging in Everett. LTAC is an acronym for Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting: The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will next meet in January 2026 to discuss the applications received and make recommendations to the City Council on which projects/ programs should receive funding.
Awarding Agency Name
City of Everett
Agency Contact Name
Tyler Chism
Agency Contact Phone
Agency Contact Email
tchism@everettwa.gov
Program
Fund Activity Categories
Business and Commerce
Category Explanation
Departments
Economic Development
Subjects
Opportunity Manager
Tyler Chism
Additional Users
Posted Date
Archive Date
Announcement Type
Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity Number
Assistance Listings Number
Public Link
https://www.gotomygrants.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/8da39b5a-0b75-4e78-9372-0e6e72ff80d6
Is Published
Yes

Funding Information

Opportunity Funding
$200,000.00
Funding Sources
Private / Other Funding
Funding Source Description
Hotel/motel tax fund grants are available for non-profits and public agencies. Grant funds support initiatives that promote tourism spending and paid overnight lodging in the City of Everett, Washington.
Funding Restrictions
See RCW 67.28.1816

Award Information

Award Start Date
Award End Date
Award Type
Competitive
Capital Grant
No
Expected Number of Awards
15
Indirect Costs Allowed
No
Matching Requirement
Yes
Cash Match Requirement
25.00%

Submission Information

Submission Timeline Type
One Time
Submission Open Date
Submission Close Date
Allow Multiple Applications
Yes

Question Submission Information

Question Submission Email Address
tchism@everettwa.gov
Question Submission Additional Information
To set up phone or virtual technical assistance training, or ask a question, please email Tyler at the email address listed above.
Attachments
LTAC 2026 Info Guide_V10312025

Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants
State Governments, County Governments, City or township governments, Special District Governments, Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excludes institutions of higher education)

Additional Information

Additional Information URL
https://www.everettwa.gov/2650/Learn-more-about-the-LTAC-grants

Criteria

Applications that meet the threshold criteria will be presented to the review panel for evaluation and scoring based on the following criteria. A maximum of 100 points can be awarded.

  • Overnight Visitors (20 points): Does the project demonstrate it will attract overnight visitors? Are projections reliable and verifiable?Innovation (5 points): Does the project offer a creative or unique approach, introduce a new event, or otherwise innovate within Everett’s tourism program?
  • Project Impact (20 points): What impact will the project have on Everett and the community? Will it reach a broad audience and draw visitors from outside the city?
  • Clarity (10 points): Is the project clearly defined? Does the proposal explain how the City-funded portion integrates into the broader effort?
  • Cost-Effectiveness (15 points): Does the project propose an efficient and thoughtful use of grant funding?
  • Matching Funds (10 points): A minimum 25% match is required; higher matches receive more points.
  • Collaboration (5 points): Does the project demonstrate partnerships with organizations or local businesses?
  • Off-Season Development (10 points): Will the project drive tourism during the off-season (Sept. 1 – June 30)?
  • Support for Underserved Communities or Small Businesses (5 points): Does the project benefit underserved communities, micro-enterprises, or small businesses?










Review and Selection Process

When the application period closes, the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Chair or their designee will review applications for completeness and eligibility. Applications will then be evaluated by the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which will make funding recommendations to the city council.  

The council will make the final decision on project approval and funding levels. Staff will then consult with sponsors of approved projects to develop contracts and scopes of work. When the sponsors and mayor sign the contracts, staff will notify sponsors to proceed. It is very important that applicants are aware of the following. 

All contracts are reimbursement-based, meaning the sponsor must expend funds on approved items and then seek reimbursement under terms of the governing contract. 

Costs incurred for an approved project cannot be reimbursed until all contracts have been signed by all interested parties, including the city. 

Please note: The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee may recommend full, partial, or no funding for each project. The review panel will independently determine the level of funding for each project based on each project’s individual merit and components. 

Anticipated Announcement Dates

January 2026