LODGING TAX FUNDS AVAILABILITY - RECEIVING APPLICATIONS

The City of Camas uses lodging tax funds to support and encourage tourism and cultural activities in Camas. The City is working to strengthen our position for day and overnight visitors, aiming to position Camas as one of the region's premiere shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.

WHAT IS LODGING TAX FUNDING?

The City of Camas charges a 2% charge on overnight stays in the hotel in the City. These funds are commonly referred to as lodging tax funds or hotel funds.

HOW CAN LODGING TAX FUNDS BE USED?

Washington State law strictly limits how lodging tax funds can be used. Lodging tax funds must be used for activities, operations, and expenditures to increase tourism (day and overnight). Specifically, lodging funds can be used for the following:

Tourism marketing;

  • Marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists;
  • Operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by a municipality or a public facilities district; or
  • Operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations.

Governmental entities and nonprofit organizations can request lodging tax funds directly from the City for events, activities, and marketing initiatives to bring more people to the City. However, for-profit entities and individuals are not eligible for direct funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS - THE APPLICATION PROCESS OPENS ON MONDAY, MARCH 25, 2024 AND CLOSES ON MONDAY MAY 6, 2024 

State law requires that lodging tax funding applications be reviewed and approved by the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) with consensus by City Council. All applications must include projections on the number of estimated visitors to/population impacted by the event or activity being funded. The following outlines the process of obtaining lodging tax funding:

STEP 1

First-time applicants are encouraged to contact City staff to talk about your proposal. Staff can help determine if the proposal meets the requirements of Washington State law. If you would like to schedule a time to speak, please call Carrie Davis at (360) 834-6864 or email Administration@CityofCamas.us.

STEP 2

Complete and submit the required online application (link below). Note: the City may require additional information to ensure the application has sufficient detail to explain your proposal and the deliverables adequately.

STEP 3

Submitted applications will be reviewed by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) at their next meeting (usually in mid-March). Applicants should be prepared to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom to answer questions about their proposal and application. The meeting date and time will be posted on the website, and staff will email the meeting details and agenda packet to the applicants.

STEP 4

If the LTAC approves your application, it will be brought to City Council for review and consensus.

STEP 5

When the application has been approved, your organization will be required to enter into a municipal services contract with the City.

STEP 6

Per RCW 67.28.1816, successful applicants must submit a report to the City following the event or activity, outlining how the City’s funds have been used and its effect. The report is available online.

High Priority will be given to activities that:

  • Have a demonstrated potential or high potential to result in overnight stays by tourists in lodging establishments within the City.
  • Promote Camas and/or events, activities, and places in the City to potential tourists from outside the area.
  • Have demonstrated or show high potential to result in documented economic benefit to the City.
  • Minimize duplication of services where appropriate and encourage cooperative marking and/or includes an element of cooperation or partnership.
  • Provide, maintain, operate, or enhance City-owned tourism facilities or infrastructure.

THINKING ABOUT APPLYING OR HAVE QUESTIONS?

Set up a meeting with staff to discuss your proposal. Contact Carrie Davis, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Administrator, at (360) 834-6864 or  Administration@CityofCamas.us.

DOCUMENTS

City of Camas Lodging Tax Application

City of Camas Lodging Tax Event Activity Report

STAFF CONTACT

Carrie Davis, Executive Assistant to the Mayor and City Administrator
616 NE 4th AVE
Camas WA 98607
360-834-6864
Administration@CityofCamas.us

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