HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCD 2021-06-21 Item 1A - LTAC - Lodging Tax Funding Application - Phase 2 Art Installation Along Baker BoulevardW
i City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
19oa INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Community Development
FROM: Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: June 15, 2021
SUBJECT: Lodging Tax Funding Requests
ISSUE
Review of a lodging tax funding request from the City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation for
Phase 2 of art work along Baker Blvd in the Southcenter District.
BACKGROUND
The City collects a 1% lodging tax on certain qualifying overnight stays in paid accommodations
(hotels/motels/Airbnb) in the City. State law limits the use of these funds to tourism promotion'.
There is currently just over $1 million in lodging tax funds available for use.
The City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) reviews all requests for use of lodging tax
funds. LTAC then forwards a list of recommended applications to the City Council for its review
and consideration. If LTAC does not recommend an application be funded, that application is
not forwarded to the City Council. The City Council may approve or deny any of the applications
recommended by the LTAC. The City Council may also approve an application and increase or
decrease the dollar amount awarded2.
The City accepts applications on a rolling basis, with the LTAC reviewing requests monthly.
Pending Applications
Following its June 11, 2021 meeting, LTAC recommended approval of a lodging tax request
from the City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department of $75,000 for a Phase 2 of artwork
installation along Baker Blvd in the Southcenter District.
1 RCW 67.28.080 (6) defines "tourism promotion" as "...activities, operations, and expenditures designed to
increase tourism, including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information for the
purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism; operating tourism
promotion agencies; and funding the marketing of or the operation of special events and festivals designed to
attract tourists."
2 On August 17, 2016, the Washington State Attorney General's Office issued an informal opinion regarding
whether a municipality could change the dollar amounts recommended by the local lodging tax advisory
committee. Specifically, the informal opinion states:
"When awarding lodging tax revenues pursuant to RCW 67.28.1816(2)(b)(ii), a municipality may award amounts
different from the local lodging tax advisory committee's recommended amounts, but only after satisfying the
procedural requirements of RCW 67.28.1817(2), according to which the municipality must submit its proposed
change to the advisory committee for review and comment at least forty-five days before final action on the
proposal."
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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1. City of Tukwila, Parks and Recreation, Phase 2 of Art Installation along Baker
Blvd ($75,000).
Last year the City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department installed artwork along Baker
Blvd in the Southcenter District. This artwork was funded largely by the City's tourism funding,
with additional funds coming from the City 1% for arts. The artwork is entitled, "Walking the
Waves" and is a series of 13 wave designs and 52 dots. This artwork was focused along Baker
Blvd between Andover Park West and East.
One of the final waves installed along Baker Bvld.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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City staff installing one of the art pieces on a sidewalk along Baker Blvd.
Baker Blvd serves as the pedestrian spine for the City's Southcenter District, linking the Sound
Transit Commuter Rail Station, via the pedestrian bridge, to the District's core. Additionally,
Baker Blvd has been identified as a festival street in the District. The City has already used the
street for two 5K runs with the Rave Foundation. The art helps to make a better environment for
users of the Blvd and creates a sense of a destination for the District. Finally, the artwork is in
the City's hotel district. There are approximately 2,000 hotel rooms located within one mile of
Baker Blvd.
Phase 2 art will extend out the artwork east towards West Valley Hwy and will include additional
wave patterns and signature art piece within the intersection of Baker Blvd and Christensen
Road.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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Representation of additional "wave" art to be installed along walkways and sidewalks.
LTAC Recommendation on Application: Do Fund
Staff Recommendation on Application: Do Fund
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total request for lodging tax funds is not to exceed $75,000. The six-year Tourism Financial
Plan approved by the City Council in December of 2020 allocated a total of $75,000 in lodging
tax funding for Southcenter Art in 2021.
2020 Tourism Six -Year Financial Plan Allocation
Southcenter Art:
$75,000.00
City of Tukwila, Parks and
Recreation Department
(Pending):
($75,000)
Remaining Southcenter Art
Funds:
$0.00
RECOMM ENDATION
Staff recommends the funding request be approved and placed on the June 28 Special Meeting
consent agenda.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City of Tukwila, Staff Report to Lodging Tax Committee, Southcenter Art
2. City of Tukwila, Parks and Recreation, Lodging Tax Application, Southcenter Art
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Staff Memorandum
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Request
Name of Applicant:
City of Tukwila, Parks and Recreation
Address:
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
Total Funds Requested:
$75,000
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:
$40,000 in 2019 for art installation along Baker Blvd.
Funding Request Narrative:
The City of Tukwila, Parks and Recreation Department is requesting funding for a phase 2 of art
installation along Baker Blvd. This art will build from the artwork installed in 2020 by the City's Park
and Recreation Department. There are two specific art works to be installed as part of this phase:
Project # 1 - Thermoplastic Intersection Ground Mural at Baker Boulevard and Christensen Road
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
7
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Project #2 — Additional Thermoplastic Sidewalk Murals to Extend the "Walking Path" from
Christenson to the Southcenter Pedestrian Bridge.
Staff Comments:
The proposed art builds off the art that was installed by Parks and Recreation in 2020 the Baker Blvd
spine. This spine connects the Sounder Station to the Southcenter residential core and Southcenter
Mall. The goal with the art is to create a better experience for the user and to help build a better
environment for visitors. The art is also being installed along Baker Blvd which the City has identified
as a festival street in the Southcenter District.
Consistency with Six Year Financial Model:
For 2021, the Six Year Financial Plan shows $75,000 for Southcenter Art. There will be sufficient
funds remaining in the budget for other 2021 sponsorships.
Southcenter Art Funds Provided in Six Year Financial Plan (2021): $75,000
City of Tukwila, Parks and Recreation (pending) ($75,000)
Remaining Funds: $0.00
City of Tukwila Staff
Recommendation to LTAC: Approval
Notes:
This is a project specific request. The goal is to have all the art installed by 2021, but this project could
extend into 2022.
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
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Application to the City of Tukwila for Use of 2021 Lodging Tax Funds
Event or Activity Name (if applicable):
City of Tukwila, Parks and Recreation
Amount of Lodging Tax Requested:
$75,000
Applicant Organization:
City of Tukwila
Federal Tax ID Number:
91-6001519
Mailing Address:
12424 42nd Ave S, Tukwila WA 98168
Primary Contact Name:
Tracy Gallaway
Primary Contact Phone:
206-767-2305
Primary Contact Email Address:
Tracy.gallaway@tukwilawa.gov
Check all the service categories that apply to this application:
• Tourism promotion or marketing.
• Operation of a special event or festival designed to attract tourists.
• Operation of a tourism -related facility owned or operated by a non-profit organization.
• Operation and/or capital costs of a tourism -related facility owned by a municipality or a
public facilities district.
Check which one of the following applies to your agency:
• Non -Profit (Note: Attach a copy of your current non-profit corporate registration from
the Washington Secretary of State Office)
• Municipality
• For Profit Company
I am an authorized agent of the organization/agency applying for funding. I understand that:
• I am proposing a tourism -related service for 2021. If awarded, my organization intends to enter
a services contract with the City; provide liability insurance for the duration of the contract
naming the City as additional insured and, in an amount, determined by the City; and file for a
permit for use of City property, if applicable.
• My agency will be required to submit a report documenting economic impact results in a
format determined by the city.
Tracy L Gallaway
Signature:
Printed or Typed Name: Tracy Gallaway
J u vie 7, 2021 -
Date:
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1) Describe your tourism -related activity or event.
The Southcenter District is primarily a commercial hub and a regional destination for shopping, entertainment,
and travel. At the north end of the Southcenter District there is some office space and new residential uses. This
area is continuing to evolve, moving from the past model of automobile dominance to a vibrant urban core that
is pedestrian and transit friendly. The Southcenter District also includes the City's largest concentration of hotel
rooms, with nearly 2,000 rooms in the District.
The artistic vision for this area is to develop a unique and iconic visual experience that will be specific
to the Southcenter District. Baker Boulevard between Andover Park West and Christensen Road was
identified as a location for a "Festival Street" concept. This includes using public art to define a space
for outdoor events and festivals, support future Arts & Culture programs, and create additional points
of interest for visitors. The implementation of public art is intended to stimulate pedestrian traffic,
tourism, and generally raise the profile of the area as a hub for Arts & Culture locally, regionally, and
nationally.
The art projects are designed to continue to enhancing Baker Boulevard and support the "Festival
Street" concept, as well as establish a "walking path" of artwork that will connect amenities
throughout the Southcenter District.
Project # 1- Thermoplastic Intersection Ground Mural at Baker Boulevard and Christensen Road
Location: This intersection has been identified by the city as an outdoor venue site for events.
Goal: A colorful intersection mural will create a vibrant focal point for drivers and pedestrians, as well
as an iconic decorative backdrop for events. The design, at 52' x 34', complements the existing
sidewalk mural design and is intended to be an extension of the ground art already implemented on
Baker Boulevard.
Points for consideration:
- As with the sidewalk ground murals, the City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department would
provide the equipment and staff to do the Thermoplastic installs. Staff time would be supported by the
1% Arts Fund.
- The intersection art is fully designed, and with funding, the project could be implemented this
summer, weather dependent.
Timeframe for completion: Summer 2021
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Project #2 — Additional Thermoplastic Sidewalk Murals to Extend the "Walking Path"
Location: Along Christensen Road and the east side of the Green River
Goal: The sidewalk art is a decorative wayfinding strategy to highlight a walkable route through
Southcenter and support a more pedestrian friendly experience. Currently the sidewalk art runs along
Baker Boulevard between the Southcenter Mall and Christensen Road. The proposal to place additional
sidewalk murals would expand the art "walking path" along Christensen Road to an existing entrance
to the Green River Trail. From there the Green River Trail runs east and hooks up to the Tukwila Urban
Center Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge. The ground murals would pick up again on the sidewalks on the
east side of the river (exact locations pending approval). The ground mural expansion would include 13
waves total, each 4'wide x 16' long, as well as 52 dots with either 18" or 24" diameters. The
placement of the sidewalk murals will take into consideration broader plans for a connected
pedestrian corridor. As additional works of art are added, this will be a dynamic art walk for visitors
and Tukwila residents to enjoy.
Points for consideration:
- As with the sidewalk ground murals, the City of Tukwila Parks and Recreation Department would
provide the equipment and staff to do the Thermoplastic installs. Staff time would be supported by the
1% Arts Fund.
- The sidewalk ground mural design is fully designed, and, with funding, the project could be
implemented this summer, weather dependent.
- The "wave" design is accompanied by "dot" details that can be used in combination or placed on their
own to activate multiple locations on the "walking path". The repetition of colors and forms will build
visual recognition becoming a memorable feature for visitors and will target a walking route that links
amenities throughout the area.
Timeframe for completion: Summer 2021
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2) If an event, list the event name, date(s), and projected overall attendance.
NA, however, we are aware that the Seattle Sounders are interested in coordinating their annual
5K fun run and the gathering location is the same as noted for the intersection mural. In
addition, this art is an investment in the City's Baker Blvd Festival street. As we recover from
COVID-19 the City hopes to have more events and activities on the street. The art improves the
overall visitor experience while in the City.
3) Is your event/activity/facility focusing on attracting overnight tourists, day tourists, or both?
This project will create opportunities for attracting both day and overnight tourists. The art
could also be something to be featured on https://www.seattlesouthside.com/scenes/.
4) Describe why visitors will travel to Tukwila to attend your event/activity/facility.
The purpose of the project is to develop a unique, iconic, artistic visual experience that will be
specific to the Southcenter District. This collaboration between Elizabeth Gahan and the City of
Tukwila will create an outdoor venue for events, festivals, temporary art exhibitions and other
public activities.
The District is home to nearly 2,000 hotel rooms. This art helps to improve the quality of the
experience for visitors.
5) Describe the geographic target of the visitors you hope to attract (locally, regionally,
nationally, and/or internationally).
There is potential for this venue to attract visitors of all types — local, regional, national, and
international.
6) Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility in attracting tourists. NA
7) If this your first time holding the event/activity/facility provide background on why you think
it will be successful. NA
8) Describe the media strategy you employ to promote your event/activity/facility to attract
overnight and/or day tourists? Please list any digital or print media (newsletters, e -blasts,
social media, etc.) your agency uses or intends to use to promote your event/activity/facility.
When completed the artwork provides opportunities for people to take photo of the art for
posting on social media. The City will promote the art work on the Experience Tukwila digital
platforms. The art could also be included on https://www.seattlesouthside.com/scenes/
9) Describe how you will promote lodging establishments, restaurants, retailers, and
entertainment establishments in the City of Tukwila. NA
10) Is the City able to use your digital and print media for collaborative marketing? NA
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11) Describe how you will use the name, "Tukwila" in publications, promotions, and for your
event? Any time we can promote the project, through media or print materials, we will
recognize the City of Tukwila and LTAC for the funding support of this project. We have a
section on the City's website listed under Parks & Recreation Department Projects which has
videos of the project and recognition of contributions made by LTAC/City.
https://www.tukwilawa.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/projects-plans-and-documents/
12) Measurements and Metrics (Note: You will be required to report these metrics as part of the
close out of the agreement between your organization and the city.) NA
As a direct result of your proposed tourism -related service, provide an estimate of:
a.
Overall attendance at your proposed event/activity/facility.
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b.
Number of people who will travel fewer than 50 miles for your
event/activity.
0
c.
Number of people who will travel more than 50 miles for your
event/activity.
0
d.
Of the people who travel more than 50 miles, the number of people
who will travel from another country or state.
0
e.
Of the people who travel more than 50 miles, the number of people
who will stay overnight in Tukwila.
0
f.
Of the people staying overnight, the number of people who will stay in
PAID accommodations (hotel/motel/bed-breakfast) in Tukwila.
0
g.
Number of paid lodging room nights resulting from your proposed
event/ activity/facility (for example: 25 paid rooms on Friday and 50
paid rooms on Saturday = 75 paid lodging room nights)
0
13) What methodologies did you use to calculate the estimates and what methodologies will you
use to track outcomes, such as total participants, estimated visitor spending, etc.? NA
14) Are you applying for lodging tax funds from another community? If so, which communities
and in what amounts? NA
15) Are you applying funding from Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority (SSRTA)? If so, in
what amount? NA
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16) What is the overall budget for your event/activity/facility? What percent of the budget are
you requesting from the City of Tukwila? The overall project budget is $79,200. If fully funded,
the remaining balance will be paid for out of the city's 1% for arts fund.
17) What will you cut from your proposal or do differently if full funding for your request is not
available or recommended? If the project isn't fully funded, we will scale back the project —
choosing to do only one of the proposed art interventions.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Please contact staff to discuss the process for having the
application reviewed by the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
Completed applications should be submitted to:
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
c/o Brandon Miles
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd
Tukwila, WA 98188
Or,
Brandon.Miles@Tukwilawa.gov
Questions?
LTAC Contact:
Brandon J. Miles
(206) 431-3684
Brandon.Miles@Tukwilawa.gov.
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