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Council adopts 2026 lodging tax priorities; category changes consolidate event and venue funding
Summary
Spokane Valley City Council approved goals and priorities that will guide 2026 lodging-tax awards, combining a 2% operations category for tourism marketing, events and venue operations into one flexible category; staff said listed amounts are guidance and can be adjusted through the process.
The Spokane Valley City Council on July 22 approved the council goals and priorities that will guide the 2026 lodging-tax award year, consolidating two previously separate 2% categories into a single category for tourism marketing and operations, special events and the maintenance and marketing of tourism venues operated by municipalities or nonprofit organizations.
Sarah Farr, accounting and finance program manager, and Finance Director Chelsea Bowles told the council the consolidated category responds to prior feedback and that the funding amounts listed in the application materials are flexible guidance for the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) when evaluating proposals.
Why it matters: lodging-tax awards fund tourism promotion, events and some venue maintenance. The councils priorities direct LTACs recommendations and influence which projects can apply for funding.
Council discussion and vote Councilmember Merkel and public commenters asked that LTAC consider projects such as team-sport events with longer seasons when reviewing proposals. Councilmembers clarified the council was not selecting specific projects at the July 22 meeting but establishing funding categories and expected award amounts to open the application round.
A motion to approve the council goals and priorities for the 2026 lodging-tax award year passed on a voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting transcript.
Ending: Staff said the goals and priorities will be included in application materials for potential applicants and that LTAC will make award recommendations consistent with the council guidance.
