HomeMy WebLinkAboutContract2024 GRANT BENEFICIARY AGREEMENT
WITH HIGHSCHOOL.GG
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION GRANT PROGRAM
THIS AGREEMENT, dated for reference purposes only as February 14, 2024, is by and between
the City of Renton (the “City”), a Washington municipal corporation, and Highschool.GG
(“Beneficiary”), a Washington State nonprofit corporation and sets forth the terms and
conditions under which the City will provide a grant to Beneficiary under the Tourism Promotion
Grant Program (“Program”), authorized by the Renton City Council on January 8, 2024. The
Program is funded through the Renton Lodging Tax (RMC 5-18) as authorized by RCW 67.285.
The City and the Beneficiary are referred to collectively in this Agreement as the “Parties.” Once
fully executed by the Parties, this Agreement iseffective as of the last date signed by both parties.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the State of Washington authorized for municipalities to collect excise tax on certain
lodging businesses under Revised Washington Code (“RCW”) 67.28; and,
WHEREAS, the City has authorized collection of a 1% (one percent) excise tax on certain lodging
businesses in the City under Renton Municipal Code (“RMC”) 5-18, which is the “Lodging Tax”;
referenced in the Agreement; and,
WHEREAS, revenues from the Lodging Tax must be used for the purpose of tourism promotion
and support; and
WHEREAS, the City has established a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (“LTAC”) to establish
Application Criteria (Exhibit 1), review Applications (“Beneficiary’s Application” at Exhibit 2), and
recommend expenditures from the Lodging Tax fund (“LTAC Recommendations” at Exhibit 3),
each Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, the City, through the LTAC, issued a Call for Application to entities seeking financial
support for tourism related purposes, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 4 and incorporated by
reference; and
CAG-24-127
PAGE 2 OF 14
WHEREAS, the City, through LTAC, has reviewed the Application and determined that the
Beneficiary is eligible for assistance under this Program and is promoting tourism related
activities; and
WHEREAS,the City Council on January 8, 2024, has approved a grant award to the Beneficiary.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein, the
Parties agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
1. Grant Amount and Disbursement.
a. Amount. The total amount to be awarded to Beneficiary under the program is
up to twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) as a reimbursement for
eligible expenses. Except as specifically provided herein, the Beneficiary shall
be solely responsible for payment of any taxes imposed as a result of this
Agreement.
b. Award Disbursement.
i.Reimbursement Request. On a monthly, or no less than quarterly basis
during any quarter in which tourism promotion or support is
completed, Beneficiary shall submit a reimbursement request in a
format acceptable to the City (Exhibit 5) with supporting
documentation including, but not limited to, invoices or reports
demonstrating expenses for which reimbursement is sought.
ii.Payment. Payment shall be made by City within thirty (30) calendar
days after receipt and approval by the appropriate City representative
of the invoice.
iii.No waiver. Payment for any reimbursement shall not constitute a
waiver by the City of any remedies it may have for any breach of this
Agreement by the Beneficiary.
iv.Tax implications. Grant funds may be taxable. Please consult your
financial advisor/tax professional for guidance. If it is required by the
IRS, a 1099 form will be issued to the Beneficiary.
2. Final Report: Together with the final reimbursement request, and in a format acceptable
to the City (Exhibit 6), Beneficiary shall submit a final report detailing outcomes related
to budget, activities, objectives, and attendance as first described in the Beneficiary’s
application for the Grant.
3. Scope ofEligible Expenditures: Grant funds disbursed under this Agreementshallonly be
used to pay or reimburse eligible expenses as described in the Criteria (Exhibit 1) and in
the “Program Call for Applications” (Exhibit 4)
PAGE 3 OF 14
a. Reimbursement Defined. “Reimbursement” means grant disbursement to
Beneficiary upon receipt by the City of invoices and documentation
demonstrating eligible expenses.
b. No Duplication of Payment. No grant funds may be used to pay or reimburse
costs for expenditures for which Beneficiary has received any other funding,
whether state, federal or private in nature, for that same expense.
4. Beneficiary Responsibilities.
a. False Statement. The Beneficiary understands and acknowledges that
providing false information in the Application or on any documents submitted
to the City or its designees as part of the Beneficiary’s participation in the
Program may constitute fraud, justify termination of this Agreement, trigger
the Beneficiary’s obligation to returnfunds, and may be subject to civil and/or
criminal penalties and/or sanctions.
b. No Employee Relationship. The Beneficiary understands and acknowledges
that neither the Beneficiary nor any officer, employee or agent of the
Beneficiary shall be considered to be an employee of the City, nor entitled to
any benefits accorded City employees, by virtue of the services provided
under this Agreement. The City shall not be responsible for assuming the
duties of an employer with respect to the Beneficiary or any employee of the
Beneficiary.
c. Non-discrimination.During the performance of this Agreement, the
Beneficiary shall comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination laws,
including but not limited to, chapter 49.60 RCW, Washington’s Law Against
Discrimination, and 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). In the event of the Company’s noncompliance or refusal to comply
with any nondiscrimination law, regulation, or policy, this Agreement may be
rescinded, canceled, or terminated in whole or in part.
d. Sole proprietorship or Individual. If the Beneficiary is a sole proprietorship or
if this Agreement is with an individual, the Beneficiaryagrees to notify the City
and complete any required form if the Beneficiary retired under a State of
Washington retirement system and agrees to indemnify any losses the City
may sustain through the Beneficiary’s failure to do so.
5. Insurance: Beneficiary shall secure and maintain:
a. Commercial general liability insurance in the minimum amounts of $1,000,000
for each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate for the Term of this Agreement.
b. In the event that Work delivered pursuant to this Agreement either directly or
indirectly involve or require Professional Services, Professional Liability, Errors
and Omissions coverage shall be provided with minimum limits of $1,000,000
per occurrence. "Professional Services", for the purpose of this section, shall
mean any Work provided by a licensed professional or Work that requires a
professional standard of care.
PAGE 4 OF 14
c. Workers’ compensation coverage, as required by the Industrial Insurance laws
of the State of Washington, shall also be secured.
d. Commercial Automobile Liability for owned, leased, hired or non-owned,
leased, hired or non-owned, with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per
occurrence combined single limit, if there will be any use of Beneficiary’s
vehicles on the City’s Premises by or on behalf of the City, beyond normal
commutes.
e. Beneficiary shall name the City as an Additional Insured on its commercial
general liability policy on a non-contributory primary basis. The City’s
insurance policies shall not be a source for payment of any Beneficiaryliability,
nor shall the maintenance of any insurance required by this Agreement be
construed to limit the liability of Beneficiary to the coverage provided by such
insurance or otherwise limit the City’s recourse to any remedy available at law
or in equity.
f. Subject to the City’s review and acceptance, a certificate of insurance showing
the proper endorsements, shall be delivered to the City before performing the
Work.
g. Beneficiaryshall provide the City with written notice of any policy cancellation,
within two (2) business days of their receipt of such notice.
6. Records: Maintenance, Access, Disclosure.
a. Records Maintained. Beneficiary shall maintain all records and accounts with
respect to all matters covered by this Agreement, including personnel,
property, financial, and programmatic records and documents.
b. Retention Period. These records shall be maintained for as long as may be
required by applicable Washington State records retention laws, but in any
case for a period of six (6) years after all funds have been expended or
returned to the City, whichever is later, to ensure proper accounting for all
funds and compliance with the Agreement.
c. Litigation or Audit. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the
expiration of the six (6)year period provided in Section 4(b) above, the records
shall be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the
records have been resolved.
d. Right of Access.The City, or itsauthorized representatives, shall have the right
of access to records (electronic and otherwise) of Beneficiary in order to
conduct audits or other investigations.
e. Subject to Disclosure. Beneficiary acknowledges that records may be subject
to disclosure under the Public Records Act, Ch. 42.56 RCW.
i. To the full extent the City determines necessary to comply with the
Washington State Public Records Act, Beneficiary shall make a due
diligent search of all records in its possession or control relating to this
Agreement and the Work, including, but not limited to, e-mail,
PAGE 5 OF 14
correspondence, notes, saved telephone messages, recordings,
photos, or drawings and provide them to the City for production.
ii. In the event Beneficiary believes said records need to be protected
from disclosure, it may, at Beneficiary’s own expense, seek judicial
protection. Beneficiary shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the
City for all costs, including attorneys’ fees, attendant to any claim or
litigation related to a Public Records Act request for which Beneficiary
has responsive records and for which Beneficiaryhas withheld records
or information contained therein, or not provided them to the City in
a timely manner.
iii. Beneficiaryshall produceto the Cityfor distribution any and all records
responsive to the Public Records Act request in a timely manner, unless
those records are protected by court order. The provisions of this
section shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
5. Publications.Any publications produced with funds from this Agreement must display the
following language: “This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by a grant from the
City of Renton.”
6. Disclaimer by the City.The City expressly disclaims any and all responsibility or liability to
Beneficiary or third persons for the actions of Beneficiary or third persons resulting in
death, bodily injury, property damages, or any other losses resulting in any way from the
performance of this Agreement or any other losses resulting in any way from the
performance of the Agreement, or any subcontract thereto. This Agreement does not in
any way establish an agency relationship between or among the City and/or Beneficiary.
7. Expenses Incurred in Excess of Program Award Funds. Beneficiary acknowledges that any
expenses incurred in excess of Program Award Funds are the Beneficiary’s sole
responsibility and will not be paid by the City.
8. Repayment of Funds. If any funds provided to Beneficiary were used in a manner that is not
consistent or allowable as outlined in this Agreement, Beneficiary shall return funds to
City in the amount determined to be ineligible. Beneficiary further agrees that it is
financially responsible for and will repay the City any and all indicated amounts following
an audit exception which occurs due to Beneficiary’s failure, for any reason, to comply
with the terms of this Agreement. This duty to repay the City shall not be diminished or
extinguished by the termination of the Agreement.
9. Termination.The City reserves the right to terminate this Agreement at any time, with or
without cause by giving ten (10) calendar days’ notice to the Beneficiary in writing. In the
event of such termination or suspension, Beneficiary waives any right to un-distributed
portions of the award.
PAGE 6 OF 14
10. Conflict of Interest.
a. Beneficiary designees, agents, members, officers, employees, consultants,
and any other public official who exercises or who has exercised any functions
or responsibilities with respect to the Program duringhis or her tenure, or who
is in a position to participate in a decision-making process or gain inside
information with regard to the Program, are barred from any interest, direct
or indirect, in any grant or proceeds of the Program, or benefit there from,
which is part of this Agreement at any time during or after such person's
tenure.
b. The City’s Code of Ethics and Washington State law prohibit City employees
from soliciting, accepting, or receiving any gift, gratuity or favor from any
person, firm or corporation involved in a contract or transaction. To ensure
compliance with the City’s Code of Ethics and state law, the Beneficiary shall
not give a gift of any kind to City employees or officials.
c. Beneficiaryalso confirms that Beneficiarydoes not have a business interest or
a close family relationship with any City officer or employee who was, is, or
will be involved in selecting the Beneficiary, negotiating, or administering this
Agreement, or evaluating the Beneficiary’s performance of the Work.
11. Notices: Any notice required under this Agreement will be in writing, addressed to the
appropriate party at the address which appears below (as modified in writing from time to
time by such party), and given personally, by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested, by facsimile or by nationally recognized overnight courier service. Time period for
notices shall be deemed to have commenced upon the date of receipt, EXCEPT facsimile
delivery will be deemed to have commenced on the first business day following transmission.
Email and telephone may be used for purposes of administering the Agreement but should
not be used to give any formal notice required by the Agreement.
CITY OF RENTON
Jessie Kotarski
Economic Development Manager
CED/City of Renton
1055 South Grady Way, 6th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
Phone: (425) 430-7271
Email: jkotarski@rentonwa.gov
BENEFICIARY
Todd Conley
President
Highschool.gg
PO Box 1441
Bellevue, WA 98009
Phone: (206) 579-1526
Email: todd@highschool.gg
12. Waiver/Conflict of Terms.
a. Any waiver by the Beneficiary or the City of the breach of any provision of this
Agreement by the other party will not operate, or be construed, as a waiver
of any subsequent breach by either party or prevent either party from
thereafter enforcing any such provisions.
PAGE 7 OF 14
b. In the event of any inconsistencies between Beneficiary proposals and this
Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail. Any
exhibits/attachments to this Agreement are incorporated by reference only to
the extent of the purpose for which they are referenced within this
Agreement. To the extent a Beneficiary-prepared exhibit conflicts with the
terms in the body of this Agreement or contains terms that are extraneous to
the purpose for which it is referenced, the terms in the body of this Agreement
shall prevail and the extraneous terms shall not be incorporated herein.
13. Modification. This Agreement may only be amended by written agreement signed by both
Parties.
14. Severability. In the event any term or condition of this Agreement or application thereof to
any person or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other terms,
conditions, or applications of this Agreement that can be given effect without the invalid
term, condition, or application. To this end, the terms and conditions of the Agreement
are declared severable.
15. Governing Laws.Any lawsuit or legal action brought by any party to enforce or interpret this
Agreement or any of its terms or covenants shall be brought in the King City Superior
Court for the State of Washington at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, King
City, Washington, or its replacement or successor. Beneficiaryhereby expressly consents
to the personal and exclusive jurisdiction and venue of such court even if Beneficiary is a
foreign corporation not registered with the State of Washington.
16. Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Beneficiary shall, at its cost and
expense, protect, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City, its directors, officers,
employees, and agents, from and against any and all demands, liabilities, causes of action,
costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees), claims, judgments, or awards of damages,
arising out of or in any way resulting from the acts or omissions of Beneficiary, its
directors, officers, employees, or agents, relating in any way to Beneficiary’s performance
or non-performance under the Agreement. Beneficiary agrees that its obligations under
this paragraph extend to any demands, liabilities, causes of action, or claims brought by,
or on behalf of, any of its employees or agents. For this purpose, Beneficiary, by mutual
negotiation, hereby waives, as respects the Cityonly, any immunity that would otherwise
be available against such claims under any industrial insurance act, including Title 51
RCW, other Worker’s Compensation act, disability benefit act, or other employee benefit
act of any jurisdiction which would otherwise be applicable in the case of such claim.
These indemnification obligations shall survive the termination of the Agreement.
17. Complete Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the complete expression of the agreement
between the Parties, and any oral representations or understandings not incorporated
herein are excluded. The Parties may execute this Agreement in any number of
PAGE 8 OF 14
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, and all of which will together
constitute this one Agreement.
Exhibits
1 – Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program – Application Criteria
2 - Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program – Beneficiary’s Application
3– Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program– LTAC Recommendations January 8, 2024
4 – Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program – Call for Applications
5 – Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program – Reimbursement Request Form
6 – Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program – Final Report Form
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have voluntarily entered into this Agreement as of the date
last signed by the Parties below.
CITY OF RENTON
By:_____________________________
BENEFICIARY
By:____________________________
Brianne Bannwarth
Interim CED Administrator
Todd Conley
President
_____________________________
Date
_____________________________
Date
Approved as to Legal Form
By: __________________________
M. Patrice Kent
Sr. Assistant City Attorney
Grant Template: 01.18.2024 (File # 2915); Award File # 2947_
Approved by Patrice Kent via email 2/19/2024
PAGE 9 OF 14
EXHIBIT 1:
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION GRANT PROGRAM
APPLICATION CRITERIA
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 2 ,202
City of Renton
202 LodgingTaxGrantGuidelines
The City of Renton is soliciting project proposals that support and encourage tourism, cultural
activities and tourism facilities in Renton, Washington. The funding source for projects awarded grant
funds is the City’s share of taxes collected on overnight stays (hotel/motel/lodging) within the
City of Renton.
State law limits the use of lodging tax funds. All applications must be for one of the following uses:
Tourism marketing
Marketing and operations of special events and festivals
Operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by non-profit organizations
Operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned by municipalities or public
facilities districts only
For grant funding year 202 , the Renton City Council approved $,000 in grants funded by lodging
taxes. As Lodging Tax funds vary from year to year, there is no guarantee of the total amount
awarded or if any grant awards will be made.
Grant Applications:
We now only accept an online application that is available on th No paper
forms will be accepted, and you must submit a separate application for each project/grant request. All
Applications must include:
Estimates of how funding the activity will result in increases to people staying overnight,
traveling 50 miles or more, or coming from another state or country.
How your project will
o generate economic benefit through overnight lodging, sale of meals and goods, and/or
construction of tourism-related facilities
o increase recognition of Renton throughout the region as a destination for tourism
o increase opportunities for tourism by developing new visitor activities
If you request it from them, local hoteliers will work with your organization to track information for your
event or project. If you need assistance, be sure to contact them prior to submission, as priority will be
given to those projects which encourage and track overnight stays.
Applications must be submitted online no later than 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time) on Friday, October 2 , 202 .
No applications will be accepted after this deadline. Any questions concerning the application process
may be directed to Jessie Kotarski, Economic Development , at 425-430-7271 or
jkotarski@rentonwa.gov.
~ Application Requirements & Instructions ~
City of Renton
202 Lodging Tax Grant Guidelines
GeneralInformation:
All applications willbe reviewed by theCity’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for potential funding
recommendations.
I he Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
.
Recommendations from the Committee will be presented for approval at the December , 202
regularly scheduled City Council meeting (pending scheduling availability); grant recipients will be
notified within 30 days. A Funding Agreement will be sent to you by the end of December.
You can upload any supporting materials online. Please limit your uploads to what is most relevant.
Funds will be paid on a reimbursement basis only. Organizations must first incur the expenses and
then request reimbursement from the City on a specific reimbursement form that will be provided to
you.
If you received a grant in 202 and your 202 application is for the same event, you do not need to resubmit
these items:
o your IRS or State of Washington non-profit certification letters
ALL Applicants must provide:
Proof of liability insurance including $1,000,000/occurrence and $2,000,000/general aggregate.
The City reserves the right to waive this insurance requirement under certain circumstances. If
your organization is awarded a grant, your insurance certificate must name the City of Renton as
an “additional insured.” There are NO exceptions to this requirement. We expect organizations to
renew their insurance prior to their project.
Active, non-expired City of Renton Business License. Information regarding acquiring a city
business license can be found at rentonwa.gov/business. Email: licensing@rentonwa.gov or by
phone 425-430-6851
SELECTION PROCESS
When the application solicitation period opens, City will employ every opportunity to inform potentially
eligible applicants of the funding process and its eligibility criteria. When the solicitation period closes, the
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Chair or his/her designee will review applications for completeness and
eligibility. Applications will then be evaluated by the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which will make
funding recommendations to the City Council. The Council will make the final decision on project approval
and funding levels. Staff will then consult with sponsors of approved projects to develop contracts and
scopes of work. When the sponsors and Mayor sign the contracts, staff will notify sponsors to proceed. It is
very important that applicants are aware of the following.
All contracts are reimbursement-based, i.e. the sponsor must expend funds on approved items and then
seek reimbursement under terms of the governing contract.
Cost reimbursement will only be issued after the contract is signed by all parties (including the City).
The project approval process requires two key steps:
a) The LTAC selection and recommendation for project approval; AND
b) The Council’s approval of a spending plan.
**Only eligible costs incurred after both steps of the approval process will be reimbursed for the project.**
COMPETITIVE CRITERIA
Because of the limited amount of funding available to support assistance requests, proposals will be
evaluated on a competitive basis. Applications that meet the threshold criteria will be presented to the
review panel for evaluation and scoring based on the following criteria. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
may recommend full, partial or no funding for each project. The review panel will independently
determine the level of funding for each project based on each project’s individual merit and components. A
maximum of 100 points can be awarded in this area.
1. Project Impact. How will the City of Renton and/or the citizens be impacted by this project? 25 points
2. Clarity. Does the proposal clearly and concisely present a definite, well-described product for which the
City’s assistance is being sought? If appropriate to do so, does the proposal describe how the City-
supported product will be integrated into a larger effort (e.g., a brochure which promotes a cultural
event: does the proposal describe the brochure as well as summarizing the purpose and scope of the
event and the role the brochure will play in its success)? 20 points
3. Cost-effectiveness. Does the project propose an efficient, economical use of the City’s funds? 20 points
4. Degree of match. What is the proponent's percentage of matching resource? A match of at least 25% of
the total project value (City funds plus sponsor’s share) is required; a higher rate will improve a project's
stature accordingly. 10 points
5. Marketing. How will the proposed project be marketed and how will that marketing recognize the City’s
participation? 10 points
6. Innovation. Does the project represent an unusual approach, or does it move the City’s Hotel/Motel
program in a useful new direction? 10 points
7. Cooperative nature. What kind and degree of inter-organizational or inter-jurisdictional partnership
does the project exhibit? 5 points
BONUS POINTS
The City has an interest in spreading the impacts of tourism more evenly over the entire year, expanding
overnight stays, and in acting as a partner with other jurisdictions that collect their own Hotel/Motel funds.
Bonus points will be accorded to proposals that can convince the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee that, if
funded, the projects will advance these goals. A maximum of 20 additional points can be awarded in this area.
1. Off-season development. Will the project promote tourism development during the off-season
(September 1 through June 30)? 10 points
2. Overnight visitorship. Has the project convincingly established that it will attract overnight visitorship? If
so, does it quantify the anticipated stays and offer a credible method for corroborating the projections?
10 points
PAGE 10 OF 14
EXHIBIT 2:
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION GRANT PROGRAM
BENEFICIARY’S APPLICATION
RCR 2024
Expenses
Site Estimated Actual
Venue $7,000.00
Site staff $2,000.00
Equipment $8,000.00
Last Year $0.00
Total $0.00 $0.00
Decorations Estimated Actual
Video Crew $1,000.00
Banners $1,000.00
Green Room $1,000.00
Canva $600.00
Hotels $10,500.00
Total $14,100.00 $0.00
Publicity Estimated Actual Column1
Graphics work/NFT $500.00
Photocopying/Printing $500.00
Advertising (social media and print)$1,200.00
Total $2,200.00
Miscellaneous Estimated Actual
Double Jump $1,008.00
Tents and Rentals $1,358.06
Food $500.00
Beverages $100.00
Total $0.00 $0.00
TOTAL EXPENSES Estimated Actual
$67,266.06 $0.00
Organizational Expenses Estimated Actual
Arcade $6,000.00
Website $2,000.00
Delancy $1,000.00
Tents $4,500.00
Total $13,500.00
Program Estimated Actual
Performers $7,500.00
Guests $10,000.00
Total $17,500.00
Column1
PAGE 11 OF 14
EXHIBIT 3:
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION GRANT PROGRAM
LTAC RECOMMENDATIONS
PAGE 12 OF 14
EXHIBIT 4:
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION GRANT PROGRAM
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-6400 | rentonwa.gov |
CITY OF RENTON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Renton Contacts
Laura Pettitt, Communications Director
Jessie Kotarski, Economic Development Manager
City of Renton accepting applications for 2024 Tourism Promotion Grants
The deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023
RENTON, WA (September 6, 2023) The City of Renton is
currently accepting 2024 Tourism Promotion Grant
applications. These grants help bring new and innovative
events to the city to expand the economic impact of tourism
and introduce Renton unique charm to fresh audiences.
Non-profit organizations with creative vision for events or
initiatives that will attract visitors to Renton are encouraged
to apply. Event locations are not limited to Renton's city
limits, but they should undeniably contribute to boosting
tourism within the city. Organizations can seek funding for
multiple events. However, capital expenditures are not
eligible for grant funding.
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is comprised of
experienced advisors and meticulously evaluates all
applications. They make funding recommendations to the
Renton City Council, which makes the final decision.
LTAC members are looking to recommend funding for innovative projects that bring a fresh perspective and
attract diverse audiences. Priority goes to multi-day events, sports activities, and initiatives championing diversity
and inclusivity. Additionally, projects with a proven record of drawing overnight visitors will be prioritized.
The application window closes on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Finalists will present their proposals to
LTAC on Thursday, November 9. The list of funded projects will announced in December.
Interested parties can find the application and further information online. For inquiries, please contact Jessie
Kotarski, Economic Development Manager, at 425-430-7271 or jkotarski@rentonwa.gov.
Tourism Promotion Grants funding comes from Washington state's Hotel-Motel Tax, derived from in-city lodging
stays lasting fewer than 30 days.
1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 | 425-430-6400 | rentonwa.gov |
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 107,900 (2023), is located on the southeast shore of Lake
Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business
climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an
outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014) Seattle
Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024),
and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. More information is on our website, in news releases, or on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor.
PAGE 13 OF 14
EXHIBIT 5:
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION GRANT PROGRAM
REIMBURSEMENT REQUEST FORM
2
Exhibit
Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program
Reimbursement Request Form
RECIPIENT NAME:
MAILING ADDRESS:
NO:
CHECKLIST FOR REIMBURSEMENT
Evaluation Report
Final Report Form (for final requests only)
Copy of marketing/promotional materials illustrating use of the VisitRentonWA logo
Revenue/Expense report for event/project
Invoices with proof/documentation of paid status
Attached IRS Form W9
Date Invoice
#
Description Advertising Promotional Event Misc. Total
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $
To als $ $ $ $ $
As grantee, I certify to the best of knowledge and belief the billed costs of disbursements are in
accordance with the terms of the project and that the reimbursement represents the Hotel/Motel
Tax specifications under Senate House Bill 5647 and which have not previously been requested .
Authorized Agent Signature Date
FOR CITY USE ONLY
Supporting documentation for expenses are determined to be eligible for reimbursement
under the Lodging Tax Fund program.
Expenditures were incurred between the eligible dates of the contract agreement.
An IRS W-9 form has been reviewed.
Reimbursement submitted to the City no later than December 31, 202 .
PAGE 14 OF 14
EXHIBIT 6:
LODGING TAX/TOURISM PROMOTION GRANT PROGRAM
FINAL REPORT FORM
Total Activity Cost $
DEFINITION OF METHODOLOGY FOR QUESTIONS BELOW:
This methodology is defined by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee and is used for reporting to
the Legislature about the use of lodging tax for each jurisdiction.
Direct Count:Actual count of visitors using methods such as paid admissions or registrations, clicker
counts at entry points, vehicle counts or number of chairs filled. A direct count may also include
information collected directly from businesses, such as hotels, restaurants or tour guides likely to be
affected by an event.
Indirect Count:Estimate based on information related to the number of visitors such as raffle tickets sold,
redeemed discount certificates, brochures handed out, police requirements for crowd control or visual
estimates.
Representative Survey: Information collected directly from individual visitors / participants. A
representative survey is a highly structured data collection tool, based on a defined random sample of
participants, and the results can be reliably projected to the entire population attending an event and
includes margin of error and confidence level.
Informal Survey: Information collected directly from individual visitors or participants in a non-random
manner that is not representative of all visitors or participants. Informal survey results cannot be projected
to the entire visitor population and provide a limited indicator of attendance because not all participants had
an equal chance of being included in the survey.
Structured Estimate: Estimate produced by computing known information related to the event or location.
For example, one jurisdiction estimated attendance by dividing the square footage of the event area by the
international building code allowance for persons (3 sq. ft.).
Other:(please describe)
Exhibit
Lodging Tax/Tourism Promotion Grant Program
Form
OVERALL
ATTENDANCE
Enter the total number of people predicted to
attend this activity/event (this number would
have been submitted on your application for
funds); the actual number of people who
attended this activity/event; and the method
used to determine attendance.
PREDICTED: #
ACTUAL (ESTIMATED):#
METHODOLOGY (definitions provided above):
EXPLAIN TRACKING METHOD:
50+ MILES
ATTENDANCE
Enter the total number of people who travelled
greater than 50 miles predicted to attend this
activity/event (this number would have been
submitted on your application for funds); the
actual number of people who travelled more
than 50 miles to attend this activity/event; and
the method used to determine attendance.
PREDICTED: #
ACTUAL (ESTIMATED):#
METHODOLOGY (definitions provided above):
EXPLAIN TRACKING METHOD:
OUT OF
STATE /
COUNTRY
ATTENDANCE
Enter the total number of people from outside
the state and country predicted to attend this
activity/event (this number would have been
submitted on your application for funds); the
actual number of people from outside the state
and country who attended this activity/event;
and the method used to determine attendance.
PREDICTED: #
ACTUAL (ESTIMATED):#
METHODOLOGY (definitions provided above):
EXPLAIN TRACKING METHOD:
PAID FOR
OVERNIGHT
LODGING
ATTENDANCE
Enter the total number of people predicted to
pay for overnight lodging in Renton to attend
this activity/event (this number would have been
submitted on your application for funds); the
actual number of people who paid for overnight
lodging and attended this activity/event; and the
method used to determine attendance.
PREDICTED: #
ACTUAL (ESTIMATED):#
METHODOLOGY (definitions provided above):
EXPLAIN TRACKING METHOD:
DID NOT PAY
FOR
OVERNIGHT
LODGING
ATTENDANCE
Enter the total number of people predicted to
attend this activity/event without paying for
overnight lodging in Renton (this number would
have been submitted on your application for
funds); the actual number of people who
attended this activity/event without paying for
overnight lodging; and the method used to
determine attendance.
PREDICTED: #
ACTUAL (ESTIMATED):#
METHODOLOGY (definitions provided above):
EXPLAIN TRACKING METHOD:
PAID
LODGING
NIGHTS
Enter total predicted lodging nights in Renton
(this number would have been submitted on
your application for funds); and actual number
of paid lodging nights-(One lodging night = one
or more persons occupying one room for one
night); and the method used to determine
attendance.
PREDICTED: #
ACTUAL (ESTIMATED):#
METHODOLOGY (definitions provided above):
EXPLAIN TRACKING METHOD:
Please describe any other information that demonstrates the impact of increased tourism attributable to the special
event, festival, or tourism-related facility.
RENTON SPECIFIC QUESTIONS:
Did you experience a higher number of tourists this year? If not, what do you think was a contributing factor?
Did you complete all of the items on your Scope of Work consistent with your application submitted to the Renton
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee? If not, which items do you still need to complete? Do you plan on completing
those items with your own resources? If so, when?
Do you plan to do anything differently next year to expand your event, increase tourism to Renton, or increase
visitors to your facility?