City of Poulsbo – Lodging Tax Grant Program
The City of Poulsbo uses lodging tax funds to help build a strong visitor economy: Visit Poulsbo! The City is working on ways to strengthen our visitors for the day and overnight visitors, with the goal of positioning Poulsbo as one of the premier shopping, dining, history and waterfront views in the Puget Sound region.
In 1998, the City approved Ordinance 98-03 in accordance with RCW 82.08 and authorized by RCW 67.28.181 to levy an additional 4% tax on charges for lodging activity. In order to collect the additional 4% tax, the City is required to form a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee. The committee must consist of at least five members: at least two are representatives from businesses that collect the tax, at least two are persons involved in activities funded by the tax, and one member from the city who acts as chair. Beginning in the 2011 grant process, those organizations that apply for the funds cannot vote on the allocation of the funds.
The City accepts proposals from various groups and organizations for use of the 4% lodging tax for projects related to the cost of tourism promotion, acquisition of tourism-related facilities, or operation of tourism-related events and facilities. Some past and present recipients include the Poulsbo Historical Society, Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association (HDPA), NK Tourism Coalition, and Visit Kitsap Peninsula.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact Lin Wilson, Special Events Coordinator lwilson@cityofpoulsbo.com
Eligible activities/projects per state law RCW 67.28.080 includes:
- RCW 67.28.080 (5) Tourism
- RCW 67.28.080 (6) Tourism Promotion
- RCW 67.28.080 (7) Tourism-related facility
Lodging tax revenues under this chapter may be used, directly by any municipality or indirectly through a convention and visitor’s bureau, destination marketing organization or other non profit organizations for:
| a. Tourism marketing; |
| b. The marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists; |
| c. Supporting the operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by a municipality or a public facilities district created under chapters 35.57 and 36.100 RCW; or |
| d. Supporting the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations described under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501 c (3) and 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501c (6) of the internal revenue code of 1986, as amended. No capital expenditures are allowed for tourism-related facilities owned or operated by a nonprofit organization. |
All these goals are encouraged with extra-weighting given to applications demonstrating:
- Events created during the off-season: Fall/Winter/Spring
- Proven overnight stays in City lodging facilities for regional events
- A trend line to self-sustaining funding over time
2024 Grant Cycle
The City of Poulsbo will update and accept 2024 Lodging Tax Grant requests on June 19th 2023.
- For reference here is 2023 Lodging Tax Grant paperwork:
- 2023 Lodging Tax Grant Request for Proposal – Instructions
- 2023 Lodging Tax Grant Application– This form is required for all applicants
- 2023 Lodging Tax Grant Application Cover – This form is required for applicants who have received funding in prior years
- 2023 Lodging Tax Reimbursement Claims Process – Instructions
If you have any questions about the process, reach out to Lin Wilson, Special Events Coordinator lwilson@cityofpoulsbo.com
Poulsbo’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee 2023-2024:
- 2023 Schedule:
- Friday, June 16, 2023: LTAC 2023 #1 meeting (1 hr, in-person)
- Monday, June 19, 2023: RFP and Application for the next budget posted.
- August 2023 (TBD): LTAC 2023 #2 meeting (1 hr, zoom)
- Friday, September 1, 2023: 2023-2024 Lodging Tax Grant Applications are due.
- Organizations must include financial information for the previous year. Electronic submission only. All grants are sent to the LTAC for initial review.
- Friday, Sept 15, 2023: Applicant presentations to LTAC 2023
- Applicants have up to 30 minutes to present their requests. LTAC will ask questions,
- Friday, Oct 6, 2023: LTAC #3 meeting (1 hr, zoom) – LTAC deliberates on applications and determines award recommendations.
- Wednesday, November 8, 2023: City will present LTAC recommendations to the City Council. City Council must accept the full slate or return the list back to the LTAC for further consideration
- December 2023 (TBD): Applicant Grants given with Award letters
| Category | Representative, Organization |
| Elected official from the municipality | Ed Stern, Poulsbo City Council |
| Staff (non voting) | Lin Wilson, Special Events Coordinator Debbie Booher, Finance Director Lauren M. Ellington, Accounting Tech |
| Businesses that collect the tax | Ashley Walchock, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Poulsbo |
| Businesses that collect the tax | -SEEKING REPRESENTATIVE- Application due by June 5, 2023 |
| Organizations eligible to apply for funds | Greg Enright, Cultural Arts Foundation of the Northwest |
| Organizations eligible to apply for funds | Sherry White, Sons of Norway |
FAQ for Lodging Tax Grants
Where does the LTAC money come from?
The grant program is made possible through taxes paid by consumers when they stay in paid lodging in the City of Poulsbo.
What can an LTAC grant be used for?
We are putting together a user-friendly guide to eligible expenses, but for now, please see RCW 67.28.1816.
Take a look at this recent article posted by the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC): Can We Spend Lodging Tax Funds on That?
Can for-profit entities apply for lodging tax funds?
Yes. The statute does not explicitly prohibit for-profit entities from applying for lodging tax funds. The City of Poulsbo departments may apply for funds if the request aligns with the RCWs.The purpose of the funds is to promote tourism in the City of Poulsbo by attracting individuals traveling over 50 miles away and encouraging overnight stays.
How long does it take to fill out the application?
We estimate that it takes about 90 minutes to read, comprehend and thoughtfully answer the questions. We strongly suggest that you read the application in its entirety before filling it out. Make note of any questions you may have and reach out to Lin Wilson at lwilson@cityofpoulsbo.com for answers. You’ll have a much easier time with the application if you prepare all pertinent information before putting “pen to paper.”
How and when will I hear back about the status of my 2023 application?
You will hear back via email in August 2022
After applications are submitted to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, they will be reviewed and evaluated by committee members and staff for completeness and eligibility. Applicants may be contacted to provide clarification, make corrections, or supply additional information. Applications that do not meet the guidelines will be disqualified and returned. Applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of this Committee meeting and may be requested to attend.
The Committee’s funding recommendation will then be forwarded on to the City of Poulsbo City Council for final decision. Applicants will be notified following the City Council’s decision for funding.
What is the application evaluation criteria?
The following criteria will be utilized in evaluating all proposals.
- Tourism Promotion: Does the project meet the basic state and city requirements for tourism promotion? Will it promote a positive image for the city? Will it attract visitors, build new audiences, and encourage tourist expansion? Will it increase awareness of the city’s amenities, history, facilities, and natural environment?
- Benefit to the City: How will this project benefit the people of Poulsbo?
- Community Support: Does the project have broad-based city appeal or support? What is the evidence of need for this project in the city?
- Evidence of Partnerships: What kind and degree of partnership does the project exhibit? Does it exhibit volunteer involvement or inter-jurisdictional, corporate, business, and/or civic support?
- Management Capability: How have you demonstrated an ability to successfully complete the project through effective business practices in the areas of finance, administration, marketing, and production? What are the administrative credentials of paid or volunteer staff or individuals?
- Scale of Project: Is the project of a scale suitable for this funding program? Can the project be implemented by the end of the year?
- Application: Is the application clear, accurate, complete, and neat?