PED 2020-04-20 Item 1A - COVID-19 - Lodging Tax Funding Application: Back to Business Campaign from City of Tukwila

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�, Tukwila Staff Memorandum Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Request Name of Applicant: City of Tukwila, Office of Economic Development Address: 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188 Total Funds Requested: $25,000 About the Applicant: The City of Tukwila is a non -charter City organized under the laws of the State of Washington. Founded in 1908, Tukwila is one of the oldest cities in King County. Since its founding, Tukwila has always been a community at the "crossroads." Tukwila lies at one of the busiest freeway interchanges in Washington State. The City has a small bedtime population of just under 20,000. During the day the City's population swells to over 150,000 people, with people coming to the City to work, shop, dine, stay in hotels, and to visit once in a life time experiences, such as the Museum of Flight or iFly. The City is one of the most diverse cities in the country. Over 70 languages are spoken in the Tukwila School District. Many well-known businesses are based in Tukwila, such as BECU, Westfield Southcenter, Seattle Seawolves, Seattle Sounders FC, Top Pot Donuts, Pop Gourmet, and the Sabey Corporation. The City has over 2,000 hotel rooms and over 100 restaurants. Funds Previously Awarded: The City has received funding in the past for a variety campaigns and operations. This specific campaign is new and specific to responding to the COVIDI9 pandemic. Funding Request Narrative: The City is requesting funds for its "Back to Business" campaign. The campaign will promote deals that can be purchased now for use later, once the Stay Home order is lifted. The idea is to help inspire hope and remind people this to will past. The campaign will also be the first step in a long process to help the City's tourism industry recover from the pandemic. The following are the immediate goals of the campaign: Help to drive businesses to Tukwila hotels, restaurants, and entertainment establishments. Help with the overall rebound of the Tukwila tourism economy once the Stay Home Order is lifted. Improve the overall brand perception of Tukwila in the overall Puget Sound region. Establish Tukwila as a leader in the hospitality industry recovery. City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 0.