Renton is now accepting applications for grants to fund 2021 tourism promotion, but COVID-19 and its impact on the local hotel economy, will impact the grant allocation amount.

These grants are available to convention and visitors’ bureaus, destination marketing organizations, nonprofits such as chambers of commerce and lodging associations, and municipalities to support Renton’s tourism marketing and operations.

The amount of funds available for 2021 grant allocation has not yet been determined because of uncertainties with 2020 lodging tax income and distribution as a result of COVID-19. Grantees are advised that distribution of 2021 awards may be delayed or suspended if tourism promotion and/or events are prevented due to state or local COVID-19 mandates.

Money collected by the state’s Hotel-Motel Tax is used to fund the grants. The Hotel-Motel Tax is levied on in- city lodging stays of less than 30 days. The Renton City Council has appointed a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), composed of council members, lodging owners, and community members, and tasked it with distributing these funds. Councilmember Randy Corman chairs the committee. The City Council takes the LTAC’s recommendations under advisement when determining final grant awards.

Applications from qualifying entities will be due by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. Finalists will be invited to present their requests to LTAC on Thursday, Dec. 3, via Zoom. The committee will make its final recommendations for funding to the city council by the end of this year.

The application is available online at visitrentonwa.com/LTAC. Questions concerning applications may be directed to Cliff Long, Economic Development Director, at 425-430-6591 or via email at clong@rentonwa.gov.