Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

2024 Lodging Tax Funding Award Cycle Now in Review

The City of Bainbridge Island received 13 requests for proposals totaling approximately $755,066 for projects to receive funding under the Civic Improvement Fund, which is established through Chapter 67.28 of the Revised Code of Washington (“RCW”) and Section 3.65.040 of the Bainbridge Island Municipal Code. 

In 2023, there are $400,000 in Civic Improvement funds (also known as Lodging Tax 
funds) available for distribution to support selected projects in 2024.  The City Council 
has approved funding within a wide range, to encourage innovative projects of all sizes 
that recognize and promote the exciting – and expanding – tourism trends and opportunities happening on Bainbridge Island.   In general, awards will be made in amounts between $5,000 and $200,000.  Applications that exceed $200,000 are allowed; these applicants may receive additional questions or requests for documentation to support the request. Awards will not be made for amounts less than $5,000 to support efficiency on the part of both the applicant organizations and City administration.

What Key Dates Do I Need to Know?

LTAC Orientation: Friday, October 6, 2023 (Recording)

Application Review: Friday, October 27, 2023 (Recording)

Proposal Presentations: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (1-4:30 pm)
Applicants will present proposals to and answer questions from the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee 

Funding Recommendations:  Tuesday, December 12, 2023 (1:30-3:30) pm

Notification by: early January, 2024

Purpose

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews and comments on proposals for expenditures from the City's Lodging Tax Fund, also known as the Civic Improvement Fund.

The Civic Improvement Fund, created through a state tax on overnight stays in lodging establishments (i.e.., hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts), provides funding for projects that will promote tourism and for the acquisition or operation of tourism-related facilities as specified in RCW 67.28.

Information on Role of Councilmember Liaisons.

2024 Lodging Tax Funding Cycle

OrganizationProject
Request
Arts and Humanities BainbridgeBainbridge Creative District Community Connection Initiative
30,500
Bainbridge Artisan Resource NetworkBARN Creative Tourism Campaign30,000
Bainbridge Island Chamber of CommerceFriendly Multi-Platform Visitor Information Network
80,116
Bainbridge Island Downtown AssociationTourist Downtown Walking Map, Celebrate Bainbridge Street Dance, Holiday Promotions and Events, Shoulder Season Tourism Marketing and Public Relations
89,000
Bainbridge Island Film FestivalBainbridge Island Film Festival Operational Support
10,000
Bainbridge Island Historical MuseumPromotional Video Production
16,245
Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association (BIJAEMA)
Capacity Building to Support Ongoing Operations of the Memorial
10,000
Bainbridge Island Museum of ArtBIMA Cultural Events and Festivals
20,000
Bloedel ReserveElevating Awareness of Bloedel Reserve Through Ferry System Advertising
17,160
Visit Bainbridge IslandVisit Bainbridge Island (DMO) 2024 Tourism Marketing Proposal
215,000
Visit Kitsap Peninsula2024 Year-Round Tourism Marketing Support for the City of Bainbridge Island
166,500
WEAVE PresentsBI Summerfest
40,000
Winery Alliance of Bainbridge IslandKitsap County Wind & Cider Passport
30,545

Total
755,066
  1. 2023
  2. 2022
  3. 2021
  4. 2020
  5. 2019

2023 Lodging Tax Funding Cycle
At their December 13, 2022 business meeting, the City Council approved the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee's 2023 funding recommendations:

OrganizationProjectAwarded
Arts & Humanities BainbridgeBainbridge Creative District 
2023 Bridge Festival
24,700
Bainbridge Arts & CraftsOff-Island Advertising & Marketing6,600
Bainbridge Island Chamber 
of Commerce
Multi-Platform Visitor Engagement Network58,783
Bainbridge Island Downtown AssociationTourist Downtown Walkabout Map, Celebrate BI - Street Dance, Holiday Events31,825
Bainbridge Island Historical MuseumComprehensive & Strategic Marketing Plan12,800
Bainbridge Island Lodging AssociationPromotions and Events, Innovative Program Development for Shoulder Season Tourism Engagement60,860
Bainbridge Island Museum
of Art
Community Cultural Programs & Festivals13,400
Bainbridge Island Parks & Trails Foundation Trail Maps & 2023 Trillium Trail Run8,500
Bloedel ReserveIncreasing Off-Season Visits with Seattle Bus Advertising8,132
Kids Discovery MuseumFam Jam7,480
Visit Bainbridge Island2023 Destination Marketing Campaign100,720
Visit KitsapMaritime & Heritage Tourism Marketing Campaign 4,000
Winery Alliance of Bainbridge IslandWine on the Rock Events12,200

Total
350,000