SNOHOMISH COUNTY – County tourism boards are looking for people who are passionate about the long-term development of Snohomish County as a regional, national, and international destination. Applications are being accepted to fill vacancies on two tourism-related advisory boards: the Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Advisory Board and the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC).
The TPA is looking to fill four vacancies for representatives from lodging businesses in Snohomish County (SCC 4.118.080). One member must be from Council District 3, one from District 4, and the other two openings are for people who work or reside anywhere within Snohomish County. District 3 includes Woodway, Edmonds, Lynnwood, and unincorporated Snohomish County South of Mukilteo. District 4 includes Mountlake Terrace, Brier, North Bothell, Mill Creek, and unincorporated Snohomish County South of Mill Creek.
The LTAC is looking to fill one vacancy for a representative from a business required to collect lodging tax, such as a hotelier or lodging operator (RCW 67.28.187).
To apply for an opening on the TPA or LTAC, please visit the Snohomish County Boards and Commissions webpage and click the “Current Boards and Commissions” link. Once there, please follow the instructions and submit your application.
Applicants for both committees must represent lodging businesses that collect and pay lodging taxes in Snohomish County. Additional evaluation criteria include:
- Community experience
- Involvement with nonprofit or community-based organizations
- History of volunteerism
- Experience in tourism, event promotion, or small business
- Relevant skills that support tourism development and economic growth
About the TPA Board
The Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Board was established to review and make recommendations on grant applications for funding from the Snohomish County tourism promotion area lodging charge (SCC 4.118). Advisory recommendations from the Board are submitted to the County Council for final funding approval. These projects promote tourism in Snohomish County.
The advisory board consists of 14 members, each nominated by the Snohomish County Executive and appointed by the County Council. The majority of the board members represent lodging businesses that are subject to the lodging charges imposed by SCC 4.118.020. At least one lodging board member shall represent each county district.
The TPA Board meets monthly, usually on the third Tuesday of the month from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with additional meetings convened as needed. Based on meetings and time spent reviewing applications, the total annual time commitment is estimated at about 36 hours.
About the LTAC
The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) was established to review and make recommendations on grant applications for funding from Snohomish County lodging taxes. Advisory recommendations are submitted to the County Council for final funding approval. These projects promote tourism and job growth in Snohomish County.
The committee consists of at least five members, each nominated by the Snohomish County Executive and appointed by the County Council. The committee includes equal membership from representatives of businesses required to collect tax under RCW 67.28.187 and people involved in activities authorized to be funded by lodging tax revenue, as well as an ex officio (non-voting) member who is an elected official of a city or town in Snohomish County. Committee membership nominations can come from representatives of businesses collecting taxes and people involved in activities to be funded by lodging tax.
The LTAC meets approximately four times per year, with regular meetings lasting about 1.5 hours. The committee also participates in one annual funding cycle, including a funding review meeting that typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours. In addition, members review assigned grant applications, which generally take about 30 minutes each to evaluate. Based on quarterly meetings, the annual funding meeting, and time spent reviewing assigned applications, the total annual time commitment is estimated at 9 to 14 hours, depending on the number of applications assigned to each member. A meeting is held in the fourth quarter of the year to assess the annual Hotel/Motel Small Fund Grant applications and requires committee members to review the applications prior to the meeting. Membership will be reviewed annually to ensure appropriate representation.
Source: Snohomish County
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
