Redmond council vets Marriott manager for Lodging Tax advisory seat

Redmond City Council on Oct. 8 interviewed Nate Moore, the general manager of the Seattle Marriott Redmond, for the hotelier position on the city’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and agreed to place his nomination on the Oct. 15 consent agenda for a vote. If approved, Moore would complete a remaining term ending March 31, 2026, and would be eligible for a subsequent four-year term.

Jackie Laylor, the city’s staff liaison, told the council that “as per state RCW, the LTAC is responsible for advising the council on how to allocate lodging tax funds to attract visitors to Redmond.” Laylor said Moore has been recommended to fill hotelier position No. 1, left vacant after Melody Lanthorne retired from the Marriott in July.

Moore described long-standing local ties and hospitality experience that he said would inform his service. “What an honor to be here in the best city in the world,” Moore said. He told council members he has worked for Marriott for 26 years, has direct experience with about 60 hotels, and has served 27 years in the U.S. Army Reserves as a colonel.

Council members asked about how Moore would use LTAC funding to attract visitors and how he would work with other hoteliers. Council Vice President Forsyth asked Moore to expand on comments about international events such as the upcoming World Cup; Moore said his work with the Seattle Sports Commission and experience with hotel bidding and logistics would help Redmond host visitors and events. “I do see a lot of interest in this area,” Moore said, adding that improved transit access and regional demand make Redmond well positioned to attract visitors.

President Kritzer asked whether Moore could bring a distinct perspective if other LTAC members were affiliated with the same parent company. Moore said hotels are individually owned and operated and that different properties serve different market segments, allowing him to represent the full-service, convention and business-travel perspective.

Kritzer said that, barring objection, the council would place Moore on the consent agenda for the council’s Oct. 15 business meeting; Kritzer said the vote would take place at 7 p.m. that evening and, if Moore is approved, the council would swear him into the LTAC at that time. The special meeting then was adjourned.

The LTAC advises the council on allocation of lodging tax revenue under state law; the committee must include hotelier and funding-recipient representation. Moore’s appointment would fill a hotelier slot through March 31, 2026.