HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTAC 2017-02-28 MinutesCity of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor
Mayor's Office - David Cline, City Administrator
MEETING MINUTES
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Starfire Sports Complex
14800 Starfire Sports Way, Tukwila, WA 98188
Committee Members Present
CM Kathy Hougardy, Chair, Jim Davis, Owen Leinbach, Ben Oliver, Becky Smith, Daniel Lee, Ashley
Messmer
Committee Members Absent
Miesa Berry, Jamie Randall
City Staff
Economic Development Administrator Derek Speck, Business Relations Manager Brandon Miles, Parks
and Recreation Manager Dave Johnson, Executive Coordinator Cheryl Thompson, Economic
Development Intern Benton Coblentz
Other Attendees
Andrea Reay, Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Schwartz and Ashley Comar, Seattle
Southside Regional Tourism Authority
Councilmember Hougardy called the meeting to order at 1:06 p.m.
Welcome and Introductions
Councilmember Hougardy welcomed attendees and each person introduced themselves.
Approval of Agenda —Agenda was approved by a 7 -0 vote
Approval of Minutes — Minutes of the December 16, 2016 meeting were approved by a 7 -0 vote
Revenue Update (Sales, Lodging, Parking, and Admission)
Business Relations Manager Brandon Miles provided a revenue update.
Taxable Retail Sales at $2.16 B; 2016 decreased 1.34% from 2015
Admissions Tax at $11.62 M; 2016 decreased 7.31% from 2015
Parking Tax $205K; 2016 increased 5.99% from 2015
Lodging Tax Collected $711K; 2016 increased 4.89% from 2015
Current Fund Balance: $884,675
Tukwila City Hall • 6200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, WA 98188 • 206 - 433 -1800 • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
LTAC February 28, 2017 Minutes
Page 2
SSRTA Update
Ashley Comar and Lisa Schwartz of the Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority provided an
update. They have completed their 2016 -2021 Strategic Plan. Their marketing theme is Seattle's
Backyard. They are currently redesigning their Vacation Planner /Dining Guide and it will be available in
hardcopy and digitally in March 2017. They are in the midst of a website redesign that will include
advertising scheduled to launch in May 2017.
Combatting "Dangerous Tukwila"
Business Relations Manager Brandon Miles requested feedback on whether the Committee would be
interested in designating Lodging Tax funds to broaden the City's media campaign to combat the
misinformation reported by Safewise each year that Tukwila is one of the "most dangerous cities" in
the United States. The City has currently allocated $10,000 to develop a media campaign to disprove
the Safewise report. There was support for the City bringing forward an application to allocate Lodging
Tax funds to broaden the scope of the media campaign.
of Tukwila Public Art Audit
Parks and Recreation Manager Dave Johnson the Arts Commission will be sending out a Request for
Proposal for the development of an Arts Plan and they are seeking community members to participate
in reviewing the proposals and would like a member from the Committee to participate. It would
require a 1— 2 day commitment. Anyone interested should let Brandon know.
Day Marketing Update
Business Relations Manager Brandon Miles provided an update on the Day Marketing campaign.
Surveys are in the process of being deployed. Bill Baker will be here in April. Target completion is
August /September 2017.
2017 Lodging Tax Advisory Work Plan
Business Relations Manager Brandon Miles reviewed the process for applying for the use of Lodging
Tax funds and review of the applications. The deadline to submit an application is by the 101h day of
month to be considered at the monthly committee meeting. Organizations that have expressed
interest in applying are the City of Tukwila, the Museum of Flight, Starfire Sports and Seattle Southside
Regional Tourism Authority.
Roundtable
Councilmember Hougardy mentioned SB5827 which would redefine tourists as traveling over 50 miles
AND include an overnight stay. The Committee discussed potential impacts if the bill passed and there
was a mixed response.
Becky Smith reported on Westfield Southcenter having top sales
Jim Davis mentioned Washington Place opening later this year.
Phone: 206 -433 -1800 • Email: Mayor @TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov
LTAC February 28, 2017 Minutes
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Ashley Messmer shared that the Museum of Flight will be hosting Space Fest and will be opening the
Destination Moon Exhibit in 2019.
Meeting adjourned at 2:57 p.m.
Phone: 206 -433 -1800 • Email: Mayor @TukwilaWA.gov • Website: TukwilaWA.gov