County officials consider scaled-down FIFA fan zone as LTAC revenue falls short of expectations

County leaders told commissioners Aug. 20 that planning for a FIFA fan zone requires immediate decisions because viewing-license deadlines and setup costs are near-term, but available tourism tax funds (LTAC) are lower than projected.

Officials said the original, higher-cost fan-zone plans proposed by the local chamber may be unaffordable for jurisdictions whose budgets are tight. The group is considering lower-cost options such as using existing theaters or indoor venues instead of building large open-air infrastructure that would need to be maintained over multiple weeks of events.

The discussion also covered funding mechanics. Commissioners were advised that a recent increase in LTAC to 4% was expected to raise lodging-tax revenues substantially, but current receipts are lower than forecast. Staff cited a projected range for available LTAC spending this year of roughly $200,000 to $225,000, whereas earlier projections had been in the $275,000'$300,000 range. Officials said some jurisdictions plan to use LTAC dollars but warned the LTAC process can be administratively complex and typically requires funds to be committed well in advance of event payments.

Board members stressed that Thurston County should take a seat at planning tables because it is one of nine selected jurisdictions and that a failure to participate could be a missed opportunity. No formal funding decision was made; commissioners asked staff and interjurisdictional partners to refine a smaller-scale proposal and to identify available short-term dollars.