Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Lodging Tax topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves 2026 lodging-tax awards, including $366,000 for event-center design
Summary
The Anacortes City Council voted Dec. 8 to approve 2026 lodging-tax allocations recommended by the advisory committee, including a $366,000 allocation toward the city’s share of design work for a proposed Port City event center.
The Anacortes City Council on Dec. 8 approved Resolution 3191 awarding 2026 lodging-tax funds, endorsing the advisory committee’s recommendations and allocating $366,000 toward the city’s share of design work for a proposed Port City event center.
Councilmember Walters, who chaired the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, said the panel met three times and prioritized events that demonstrably produce overnight stays. He said hoteliers’ local records were used to identify which nights were fullest, but that some applicant data remain difficult to verify.
Mayor Miller moved to adopt the resolution. Councilmembers voted in favor with no recorded opposition.
Why it matters: The allocation directs tourism-related revenue toward events and to the event-center design effort, a project council members described as a potential driver of more hotel nights and sales-tax receipts. Councilmembers noted limitations in overnight-stay data and asked staff to continue working with hoteliers to improve reporting.
What’s next: The resolution takes effect as approved; council retains the authority to send matters back to the advisory committee if new information warrants reconsideration.
