Mayor asks council to reopen LTAC applications for FIFA fan-zone funding; council agrees to two-week extension

Mayor Andy Ryder reported that regional stakeholders had narrowed plans for a single FIFA fan-zone location and that organizers were seeking LTAC (lodging tax) support split among Lacey, Olympia and Thurston County. The mayor said the LTAC application process had closed the prior Friday and asked the council whether staff should reopen the application window for roughly two weeks so the chamber (as sponsor) could submit an application.

"What they're looking for is, like, 85,000 and then and then, Tumwater would make up the rest," the mayor said, describing the preliminary funding ask and the proposed regional split.

Council members discussed timing and the LTAC process. One council member voiced no objection to reopening the LTAC process for two weeks, and another asked for confirmation that any LTAC award would still come to the full council for consideration rather than being folded into the normal budget process.

A council member asked for assurances that if organizers failed to raise the remaining funds, the city would be consulted before committing LTAC funds; the mayor said the LTAC process is separate and applicants would need to submit the formal application and that staff would return any LTAC recommendation to the council for review.

Council consensus was to reopen the LTAC application period for roughly two weeks to allow submission of any applications for the event; staff confirmed they had enough direction to proceed.

Ending: The mayor and manager said the LTAC process will remain a distinct review and subsequent recommendation would be considered separately by council; reopening does not guarantee funding.