Lacey advisory committee recommends 2026 lodging-tax awards, shifts funding to Regional Athletic Complex and fan zone

The Lacey Lodging Tax Advisory Committee on Oct. 16 voted unanimously to recommend the committee’s 2026 lodging-tax funding package to the City Council, advancing a slate of grants and several policy shifts intended to maximize overnight stays in Lacey.

The recommendation includes a $100,000 award to Experience Olympia & Beyond for destination marketing, a proposed $80,000 draw from reserves to support a regional “fan zone” tied to next summer’s World Cup soccer events, and an increased allocation for the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) that brings the committee’s RAC recommendation to roughly $278,700. The package also sets aside $25,000 as a new cultural-event grant pool and directs several smaller awards to local festivals, facilities and events.

The committee’s recommendations come amid a projected gap between lodging-tax requests and available revenue. Staff presented a revenue estimate of about $577,000 for 2026 and total applicant requests near $966,719, leaving an approximate shortfall of $389,000. The committee considered using available cash reserves — staff reported roughly $909,408 at the start of the planning period and about $267,000 of immediately available reserves after other designations — to bridge funding for high-priority items.

Most important items and outcomes

- Motion and vote: Committee members moved to forward the full package to City…