Media Contacts
Laura Pettitt, Communications & Engagement Director
Jessie Kotarski, Economic Development Manager
City of Renton accepting applications for 2025 Tourism Promotion Grants
The deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024
RENTON, WA (August 29, 2024) – The City of Renton is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Tourism Promotion Grants. These grants support innovative events that showcase Renton's unique charm and drive tourism to the city.
Nonprofit organizations with creative ideas for events or initiatives to attract visitors to Renton are encouraged to apply. Event locations do not need to be within Renton's city limits, but they should contribute to enhancing tourism in the city. Organizations can apply for funding for multiple events, though capital expenditures are not eligible for grant funding.
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), appointed by the mayor and comprised of seasoned advisors, will review all applications. LTAC will recommend funding proposals to the Renton City Council, which will make the final funding decisions.
LTAC prioritizes innovative projects that offer a fresh perspective and attract diverse audiences. When seeking projects for approval, an emphasis on attractions such as multi-day events, sports activities, and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity is needed. Projects with a history of drawing overnight visitors and supporting the lodging tax fund are particularly valued.
Important dates:
- Live Q&A: September 12, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dock & Drink at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington
- Virtual Q&A: October 10, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m.
- Application workshop: October 16, 2024, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Renton Library
The application period will close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024. Finalists will present their proposals to LTAC on Monday, November 18, and the list of funded projects will be announced in December.
Please visit our website for more details and to access the application. For any inquiries, contact Jessie Kotarski, Economic Development Manager, at 425-430-7271 or [email protected].
Funding for the Tourism Promotion Grants is through Washington State's Hotel-Motel Tax collected from short-term lodging stays within the city.
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About City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 108,800 (2024), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.