Lodging Tax Grant Program

The primary purpose of the grant program is to support tourism-related projects and programs including arts/cultural, sporting activities, recreational, heritage or community-based activities. Funds must be used for marketing and promotional purposes only - for example, hiring a marketing professional or advertising agency to promote your event to audiences located 50 miles or more away.

This program is funded through the city's share of state lodging tax (hotels/motels). Specific grant awards and program funding are determined based on recommendations from the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC).

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW 67.28.180) provides cities the  authority to adopt a lodging tax. The City of Renton has adopted a 1% lodging tax rate and may invest these revenues into events or programs that attract visitors to Renton.

The city's Economic Development Department provides administrative support to the applicants. For questions about the guidelines or assistance with completing the application, please contact, Jessie Kotarski at 425-430-7271.

Non-profits, including main street organizations, lodging associations, or chamber of commerce are eligible to apply. Municipalities are also eligible to apply such as Arts Commissions, Park Boards, and Planning Commissions.

Organizations producing events are encouraged to develop multi-day festivals or programs that generate overnight lodging. Creating special marketing packages with hotels in Renton will receive additional consideration. Priority will be given to events scheduled during the shorter season to help boost tourism during traditionally slower periods.

Projects must take place between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Applicants should clearly describe the service, product, event, or activity they plan to provide and demonstrate how it will attract visitors to Renton, specifically generating overnight stays. Submissions will also be evaluated on the strength of the promotional plan, including how the event or activity will be advertised, publicized, and communicated to target audiences.

Applications are reviewed based on how well they demonstrate:

• Impact: Benefit to the City and its residents.
• Clarity: Clear, concise description and City's role.
• Cost-effectiveness: Efficient use of the City's funds.
• Match: Minimum 25% applicant contribution; higher matches strengthen the proposal.
• Marketing: Plan to promote the project and recognize City support.
• Innovation: Unique approach or advancement or Renton' hotel/motel program.
• Partnership. Collaboration with other organizations or jurisdictions.
• Off-Season Development: Attracts visitors during September - June.
• Overnight Visitorship: Demonstrate ability to draw overnight stays, with credible projections.

After submission, city staff review applications for completeness. Incomplete applications may be returned and resubmitted before the deadline. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC)—comprised of an elected official, business representatives who collect lodging taxes, and members involved in tourism-related activities—evaluates applications. LTAC then forwards funding recommendations to the City Council, which makes the final decision in a public meeting.