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Port Orchard council asks lodging-tax committee to reopen applications for FIFA 2026 marketing
Summary
Council members agreed by consensus to ask the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee to reopen applications with a narrowed scope for marketing tied to the 2026 FIFA events and to explore moving reserve lodging-tax dollars earlier to support local programming.
Mayor (name not specified) opened discussion on the lodging-tax advisory committee recommendation and a newly announced regional FIFA fan-zone designation for 2026, asking whether Port Orchard should seek lodging-tax funds to market the city during the World Cup period.
The council’s discussion centered on a request from Councilmember John Morrissey and other members to reopen the LTAC application process specifically to solicit proposals for FIFA-related marketing and fan-zone activities. Morrissey said the council should consider pulling some reserved lodging-tax funds forward to capitalize on an expected visitor spike in June 2026 and to help draw people to Port Orchard between games.
Why it matters: The Pacific Northwest will host multiple World Cup matches in 2026, and regional fan-zone planning could shift visitor behavior and local revenue. Council members said they do not yet know the total Port Orchard request, that hotel room capacity is limited, and that marketing could focus on ferry connections to Seattle and countywide coordination.
Councilmember Trenary asked the lodging-tax committee to reopen its application period with a narrowed eligibility for FIFA marketing activities; staff member John (Director Crocker/Crocker spelled variably in the record) said the scope could be narrowed and that the council could make the referral by consensus rather than formal motion. County Commissioner Katie Walters and Bremerton Mayor Greg Newton addressed the council and described Bremerton’s fan-zone plans and regional coordination. Several council members urged quick follow-up to identify a dollar figure and to consult local nonprofits and the Chamber of Commerce on logistics.
Council members also discussed possible impacts on lodging-tax revenue (hotels in Port Orchard are near capacity) and the potential to increase sales-tax receipts through extra marketing and events. Councilmembers expressed interest in using some reserved LTAC funds to augment marketing if that proves feasible, and suggested hiring a coordinator for the fan-zone effort and leveraging local nonprofits and festivals.
Outcome: The council agreed by consensus to refer the lodging-tax recommendation back to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and to request that committee reopen the application period with parameters specific to FIFA marketing activities, and for staff and Councilmember Morrissey to work quickly to identify potential funding amounts and timing. No formal vote was recorded; staff said a referral could be handled by consensus.
Looking ahead: Councilmembers asked staff to consult Director Crocker, the Chamber of Commerce and other local partners and return to council with funding options and potential timelines for marketing or coordinator support.
