2027 City of Everett Lodging Tax Grants (LTAC Grants)

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Opportunity Information

Title

Description

Hotel/motel tax fund grants, commonly referred to as LTAC grants, support projects and activities that attract visitors, increase tourism spending, and generate paid overnight lodging in Everett, Washington. Funded through lodging taxes paid by travelers staying in local accommodations, the program invests in initiatives that strengthen Everett as a year-round destination and enhance the visitor experience. For 2027, the City of Everett will award $250,000 in competitive LTAC grants. Consistent with Washington State lodging tax law, grant funds may support a variety of tourism-related activities, including: -Festivals, fairs, and special events -Sports tournaments and competitions -Meetings, conventions, and group travel programs -Tourism attractions and visitor experiences -Film productions and film tourism initiatives -Arts, culture, heritage, and recreation tourism projects -Visitor-serving amenities and destination enhancements -Marketing and promotional activities that generate measurable tourism benefits -Other projects and initiatives that produce measurable tourism outcomes Priority will be given to projects that: -Increase paid overnight lodging stays -Attract visitors from outside the Everett area -Enhance the visitor experience -Generate measurable economic benefits for Everett businesses -Encourage visitation during traditionally slower tourism periods -Support sports tourism, meetings, conventions, and group travel -Create new tourism experiences, attractions, and destination-defining events Organizations seeking funding primarily for tourism marketing are encouraged to explore the Snohomish County Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Grant Program, which is specifically designed to support marketing efforts that drive overnight stays in Snohomish County and Everett. The TPA grant is awarded on a rolling monthly basis. 2027 Grant Timeline -Applications open: November 6, 2026 -Applications close: December 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. -LTAC review meeting: January 2027 -Awards announced: By the end of January 2027* Grant performance period: January 1 through December 31, 2027 *Estimated timeline subject to Everett City Council approval.

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

Kathleen Vandermeer

Posted Date

Archive Date

Announcement Type

Initial Announcement

Funding Opportunity Number

Assistance Listings Number

Public Link

https://www.gotomygrants.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/bd3da3e7-e306-4485-8b39-729856ef6db1

Is Published

Yes

Funding Information

Opportunity Funding

$250,000.00

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

Award Information

Award Start Date

Award End Date

Award Type

Competitive

Capital Grant

Expected Number of Awards

Indirect Costs Allowed

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 2027 Info Guide_V11042026.1_202611040850414276

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