Apply for 2020 Kirkland Tourism Funding by August 9
Published on June 18, 2019
Media Contact:
Kellie Stickney
Communications Program Manager
kstickney@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 979-6562
KIRKLAND, Wash. – The Kirkland Tourism Program is pleased to announce the Tourism Development Committee (aka Lodging Tax Advisory Committee) Tourism Funding Application (broken link) is available for 2020.
The City’s tourism funds will be awarded to events and programs that demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from 50 miles or more away and generate overnight stays. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on August 9. The grant application form is available online at http://www.kirklandwa.gov/tourism or by contacting Jeannie McGivern at jmcgivern@kirklandwa.gov or 425-587-3016.
In previous years, the Kirkland Tourism Program has funded the Explore Kirkland website, as well as events such as Summerfest, the 7 Hills of Kirkland, Kirkland Uncorked, the Little League Softball World Series, Kirkland Octoberfest, and Kirkland’s 4th of July event, Celebrate Kirkland.
“The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee is proud to support our local business community by attracting visitors to stay in our hotels and explore our outdoor recreation opportunities, art, dining, and boutique shopping,” said Tourism Development Chair and City Councilmember Toby Nixon. “We look forward to reviewing the proposals and continuing to support efforts that make Kirkland a wonderful community to visit.”
Kirkland’s Tourism Program has been in operation since 2002. During that time, over $700,000 has been granted to tourism events and programs. The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has proposed to make up to $60,000 available for 2020. These funds will be awarded for the marketing or operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists to Kirkland. The TDC will look supportively at new events, while also giving serious consideration to events with track records for bringing visitors to the City.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28.180 provides authority for cities to adopt a lodging tax. The City of Kirkland has adopted a 1 percent lodging tax rate and may invest these revenues into events that attract visitors to Kirkland.