HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2021-10-04 Item 6C - LTAC - Lodging Tax Funding Applications: $15,000 for Gut Check Tournament / $15,000 for XV RugbyCOUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS
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ITEM No.
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Meeting Date
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Council review
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10/4/21
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6.C.
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ITEM INFORMATION
STAFF SPONSOR: B. MILES
ORIGINAL AGENDA DATE: 10/4/21
AGENDA ITEM TITLE Review of lodging tax funding applications forwarded to the City Council from the
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
CATEGORY ❑ Discussion
Mtg Date
11 Motion
Mtg Date 10/4/21
❑ Resolution
Mtg Date
❑ Ordinance
Mtg Date
❑ Bid Award
Mtg Date
❑ Public Hearing
Mtg Date
❑ Other
Mtg Date
SPONSOR ❑ Council
11 Mayor ❑ Admin Svcs ❑ DCD ❑ Finance ❑ Fire ❑ P&R ❑ Police ❑ PlC
SPONSOR'S At its September 10, 2021 meeting, the LTAC recommended approval of lodging tax
SUMMARY requests from the City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development to sponsor the Gut
Check Wrestling Tournament and the XV Rugby Series.
REVIEWED BY ❑ Trans&Infrastructure Svcs ❑ Community Svcs/Safety ❑ Finance & Governance A
LTAC ❑ Arts Comm. ❑ Parks Comm. ❑
DATE: LTAC, 9/10/21 PCD, 9/20/2 COMMITTEE CHAIR: KRULLER
Planning & Community Dev.
Planning Comm.
AND HOUGARDY
RECOMMENDATIONS:
SPONsoR/ADMIN. Mayor's Office, Economic Development
COMMITTEE Unanimous Approval; Forward to Consent Agenda
COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE
EXPENDITURE REQUIRED AMOUNT BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED
$30,000 $150,000 $0
Fund Source: 101 FUND, LODGING TAX (TOURISM)
Comments: Per State Law, lodging tax can only be used for tourism promotion activities.
MTG. DATE
RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION
10/4/21
MTG. DATE
ATTACHMENTS
10/4/21
Informational Memorandum, dated September 14, 2021.
City of Tukwila, Staff Report to Lodging Tax Committee, Gut Check Wresting Tourna
City of Tukwila Gut Check Wresting Tournament Application
City of Tukwila, Staff Report to Lodging Tax Committee, XV Series
City of Tukwila XV Rugby Application
Minutes from the September 20, 2021 PCD Meeting
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W
i City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Community Development
FROM: Brandon Miles, Business Relations Manager
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: September 14, 2021
SUBJECT: Lodging Tax Funding Requests
ISSUE
Review of a lodging tax funding request from the City of Tukwila, Office of Economic
Development for the Gut Check Wresting Tournament and the XV Rugby Series sponsorships.
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 awarded'.
The City accepts applications on a rolling basis, with the LTAC reviewing requests monthly.
Pending Applications
At its September 10, 2021 meeting, the LTAC recommended approval of lodging tax requests
from the City of Tukwila Office of Economic Development to sponsor the Gut Check Wrestling
Tournament and the XV Rugby Series.
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
Page 2
1. City of Tukwila, Gut Check Wresting Tournament (Not to Exceed $15,000)
The City of Tukwila, through its Experience Tukwila brand, is requesting $15,000 to sponsor the
Gut Check Wrestling tournament ( https://www.gutcheckwrestling.com/) scheduled to take place
December 30, 2021 through January 1, 2022 at the Showare Center in Kent. The Gut Check
Wresting tournament is in its ninth year of operation and has consistently grown each year. It is
estimated that 5,000 people will attend the event and 400 hotel room nights will be generated
from the event.
The City's funding request is broken down into two parts:
1. Providing a rebate of up to $9,000 ($15 per room night) for each room night generated in
a Tukwila hotel from the event. The organizers will be required to use a Tukwila hotel or
hotels as the official hotels for the event.
2. A flat sponsorship of $6,000 to market the City to event participants lead up to and
during the tournament.
LTAC Recommendation on Application: Do Fund
Staff Recommendation on Application: Do Fund
2. City of Tukwila, XV Rugby Series (Not to Exceed $15,000)
The City of Tukwila, through its Experience Tukwila brand, is requesting $15,000 to support the
XVSeries. The funds will be allocated as a $10,000 sponsorship to XVSeries and $5,000 to
Seattle Rugby through a room rebate credit of $10 per room night at Tukwila hotels.
XVSERIES is a Seattle based organization whose goal is to develop and support the amateur
American rugby athlete and provide a recognizable pathway of competition, enabling
progression to a professional, elite league or national representation. XVSERIES fosters and
promotes links with USA rugby organizations and regional clubs, who have the collective goal of
developing USA eligible players. The core of the XVSERIES program is to facilitate an elite level
series of games. Games in the XVSERIES will be played by select teams from rugby clubs,
regional pathway programs and member organizations of the XVSERIES, working together with
their local regional youth programs, colleges and regional clubs to identify and develop USA
eligible players. Playing XVSERIES games to expose and engage those players and support
staff at an elite level, for progression to professional rugby and the national team.
XVSeries will be organizing games across the country, with Seattle Rugby hosting games at
Starfire Sports. It is anticipated that 15 games will be hosted at Starfire over the next year.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total request for two lodging tax applications is not to exceed $30,000.00. six-year Tourism
Financial Plan approved by the City Council in December of 2020 allocated a total of $150,000
in lodging tax funding for sponsorships in 2020.
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INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 3
2021 Tourism Six -Year Financial Plan Allocation
Sponsorships:
$150,000.00
Global to Local Request
(Already Approved):
($5,000.00)
City of Tukwila, Juneteenth
Event (Already Approved)
($5,000.00)
City of Tukwila, Seawolves
Partnership (Already
Approved)
($20,000)
City of Tukwila, Rugby 7s
(Pending with Council)
($10,000)
City of Tukwila, Gut Check
Wresting
($15,000)
XV Rugby Series
($15,000)
Remaining Sponsorship
Funds:
$80,000.00
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Committee approve the funding requests and forward both requests
to the October 4, 2021 consent agenda.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City of Tukwila, Staff Report to Lodging Tax Committee, Gut Check Wresting
Tournament
2. City of Tukwila Gut Check Wresting Tournament Application
3. City of Tukwila, Staff Report to Lodging Tax Committee, XV Series
4. City of Tukwila XV Rugby Application
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Staff Memorandum
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Funding Request
Name of Applicant:
City of Tukwila, Office of Economic Development, Gut Check Wrestling Tournament
Address:
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
Total Funds Requested:
$15,000
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:
None for this initiative.
Funding Request Narrative:
The City of Tukwila, through its Experience Tukwila brand, is requesting $15,000 to sponsor the Gut Check
Wrestling tournament ( https://www.gutcheckwrestling.com/) scheduled to take place December 30, 2021
through January 1, 2022 at the Showare Center in Kent. The Gut Check Wresting tournament is in its ninth year
of operation and has consistently grown each year. It is estimated that 5,000 people will attend the event and
400 hotel room nights will be generated from the event.
The City's funding request is broken down into two parts:
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
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1. Providing a rebate of up to $9,000 ($15 per room night) for each room night generated in a Tukwila
hotel from the event. The organizers will be required to use a Tukwila hotel or hotels as the official
hotels for the event.
2. A flat sponsorship of $6,000 to market the City to event participants lead up to and during the
tournament.
Staff Comments:
This would be the first event or tournament that the City has supported outside of the City. The location of the
Showare, just outside of the Southcenter District provides a possible opportunity for the City to capture room
nights generated by events at Showare. This tournament is a good opportunity to see if groups at Showare will
book Tukwila hotel rooms.
Staff does not value events at Showare as high as events at Starfire Sports since the main economic impact of
these types of events is usually in the commercial area immediate adjacent to the venues (i.e. people going out
to eat between matches, family members shopping while games are occurring, etc). Thus, staff has structured
the funding request to encourage room nights and to only pay for those room nights generated by the event.
The opportunity to sponsor this tournament as passed on by the City of Kent since the City still has a spending
freeze that applies to all funds, including its lodging tax program.
Consistency with Six Year Financial Model:
For 2021, the Six Year Financial Plan shows the City spending $150,000 for sponsorship, such as this. There will
be sufficient funds remaining in the budget for other 2021 sponsorships.
2021 Sponsorship Funds Provided in Six Year Financial Plan: $150,000
Spice Bridge Request (approved) ($5,000)
Juneteenth Request (approved) ($5,000)
Seawolves (approved) ($20,000)
City of Tukwila, Rugby 7 (approved) ($10,000)
City of Tukwila, XV Series (pending) ($15,000)
City of Tukwila, Gut Check (pending) ($15,000)
Remaining Funds: $80,000
Note, the total amount of this sponsorship will not exceed $15,000. The room rebate portion of the request
($5,000) is a rebate for actual room nights generated.
City of Tukwila Staff
Recommendation to LTAC: Approval
Notes: None.
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City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
Application to the City of Tukwila for Use of 2021 Lodging Tax Funds
Event or Activity Name (if applicable):
City of Tukwila, Gut Check Wresting
Tournament
Amount of Lodging Tax Requested:
$15,000
Applicant Organization:
City of Tukwila
Federal Tax ID Number:
91-6001519
Mailing Address:
6200 Southcenter Blvd; Tukwila, WA
98188
Primary Contact Name:
Brandon Miles
Primary Contact Phone:
(206) 731-9071 (cell)
Primary Contact Email Address:
Brandon.Miles@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 Corporation
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
into 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.
Signature: Date:
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1. Describe your tourism -related activity or event.
The Gut Check Wresting Tournament is an annual high school wrestling tournament held at the
Showare Event Center in Kent. The tournament is estimated to bring in approximately 5,000
total fans and wrestlers for its 2021 tournament December 30, 2021 through January 1, 2022.
Due to budget constraints, the City of Kent sent the City of Tukwila this event for a possible
sponsorship. While the event will be in the City of Kent, Tukwila staff were hopeful that the City
could capture room nights given the close proximity of the Southcenter District to the City. The
sponsorship will be broken down into two parts:
a. $9,000 would be a room night rebate payable for actual room nights booked in the City.
b. $6,000 would be for sponsorship and promoting Experience Tukwila to attendees.
2. If an event, list the event name, date(s), and projected overall attendance.
The Gut Check, December 30, 2021—January 1, 2022. 5000 attendance total.
3. Is your event/activity/facility focusing on attracting overnight tourists, day tourists, or both?
Mostly overnight with some local daily visitors. It is anticipated that 5,000 people will attend
the event, with 3,000 people traveling outside 50 miles to attend the event.
4. Describe why visitors will travel to Tukwila to attend your event/activity/facility.
To capture the room nights the City will require that the event organizers provide
documentation after the event showing room nights booked in the City. This would allow the
organizers to receive a rebate of $15 per room night.
The Southcenter District is also located adjacent north of the City of Kent and it is possible that
the City would see day visitors coming to the City. However, our goal with this sponsorship is to
capture the hotel room nights generated from the event.
5. Describe the geographic target of the visitors you hope to attract (locally, regionally,
nationally, and/or internationally). @
6. Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility in attracting tourists.
No including 2020, this is the 9th time this event has occurred. The event has grown 20% year
over year in attendance.
7. If this your first time holding the event/activity/facility provide background on why you think
it will be successful. N/A
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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.
The organizers use numerous social media outlets, website, press releases, and national
streaming. The City's main goal with this sponsorship is to capture the room nights generated
from the event. The City's secondary goal is to promote the City to visitors of the event and
overall branding for the City.
9. Describe how you will promote lodging establishments, restaurants, retailers, and
entertainment establishments in the City of Tukwila. Through email, website, social media,
indoor/outdoor Jumbotron, banners.
10. Is the City able to use your digital and print media for collaborative marketing? Yes, the City
will have access to the digital platforms of the event organizers.
11. Describe how you will use the name, "Tukwila" in publications, promotions, and for your
event? While the event will be held in the City of Kent, the City of Tukwila will be listed as a
major sponsor.
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.)
As a direct result of your proposed tourism -related service, provide an estimate of:
a.
Overall attendance at your proposed event/activity/facility.
5000
b.
Number of people who will travel fewer than 50 miles for your
event/activity.
500-600
c.
Number of people who will travel more than 50 miles for your
event/activity.
3000
d.
Of the people who travel more than 50 miles, the number of people
who will travel from another country or state.
2500
e.
Of the people who travel more than 50 miles, the number of people
who will stay overnight in Tukwila.
1200+
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f.
Of the people staying overnight, the number of people who will stay in
1500+
PAID accommodations (hotel/motel/bed-breakfast) in Tukwila.
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)
400+
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? Past event
results, calculations and estimates with growth.
14. Are you applying for lodging tax funds from another community? If so, which communities
and in what amounts? Not at this time.
15. Are you applying funding from Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority (SSRTA)? If so, in
what amount? Not at this time.
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 total event budget is $60,000. The total request
from the City is $15,000, broken down as $9,000 in a rebate and $6,000 as a sponsorship.
17. What will you cut from your proposal or do differently if full funding for your request is not
available or recommended? Necessary cuts are always being made to ensure we stay within
our budget. With additional private donations.
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
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Questions?
LTAC Contact:
Brandon J. Miles
(206) 431-3684
Brandon.Miles@Tukwilawa.gov.
Updated: January 5, 2021
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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:
$15,000
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:
None for this initiative.
Funding Request Narrative:
The City of Tukwila, through its Experience Tukwila brand, is requesting $15,000 to support the XVSeries. The
funds will be allocated as a $10,000 sponsorship to XVSeries and $5,000 to Seattle Rugby through a room
rebate credit of $10 per room night at Tukwila hotels.
XVSERIES is a Seattle based organization whose goal is to develop and support the amateur American rugby
athlete and provide a recognizable pathway of competition, enabling progression to a professional, elite
league or national representation. XVSERIES fosters and promotes links with USA rugby organizations and
regional clubs, who have the collective goal of developing USA eligible players. The core of the XVSERIES
program is to facilitate an elite level series of games. Games in the XVSERIES will be played by select teams
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
29
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from rugby clubs, regional pathway programs and member organizations of the XVSERIES, working together
with their local regional youth programs, colleges and regional clubs to identify and develop USA eligible
players. Playing XVSERIES games to expose and engage those players and support staff at an elite level, for
progression to professional rugby and the national team.
XVSeries will be organizing games across the country, with Seattle Rugby hosting games at Starfire Sports. It is
anticipated that 15 games will be hosted at Starfire over the next year.
Staff Comments:
Starfire Sports and the City of Tukwila are becoming the epicenter of rugby in the Pacific NW. The Seattle
Seawolves call Tukwila home and last month the City hosted the USA Rugby National 7s Championships. The
City has seen a significant increase in social media follower related to rugby and its support for the game. The
XVSeries allows the City to continue to build its rugby brand and bring more games to Starfire and the City. The
room rebate program ensures that the room nights created by the XVSeries games remain in Tukwila versus
going to an adjacent community.
Consistency with Six Year Financial Model:
For 2021, the Six Year Financial Plan shows the City spending $150,000 for sponsorship, such as this. There will
be sufficient funds remaining in the budget for other 2021 sponsorships.
2021 Sponsorship Funds Provided in Six Year Financial Plan: $150,000
Spice Bridge Request (approved) ($5,000)
Juneteenth Request (approved) ($5,000)
Seawolves (approved) ($20,000)
City of Tukwila, Rugby 7 (approved) ($10,000)
City of Tukwila, XV Series (pending) ($15,000)
City of Tukwila, Gut Check (pending) ($15,000)
Remaining Funds: $80,000
Note, the total amount of this sponsorship will not exceed $15,000. The room rebate portion of the request
($5,000) is a rebate for actual room nights generated.
City of Tukwila Staff
Recommendation to LTAC: Approval
Notes: None.
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City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
Application to the City of Tukwila for Use of 2021 Lodging Tax Funds
Event or Activity Name (if applicable):
Rugby XV Sponsorship and Support
Amount of Lodging Tax Requested:
$15,000
Applicant Organization:
City of Tukwila
Federal Tax ID Number:
91-6001519
Mailing Address:
6200 Southcenter Blvd
Tukwila, WA 98188
Primary Contact Name:
Brandon Miles
Primary Contact Phone:
206-731-9071 (cell)
Primary Contact Email Address:
Brandon.Miles@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 Corporation
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
into 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.
Signature: Date:
1) Describe your tourism -related activity or event.
31
The City of Tukwila is requesting $15,000 to support the XV rugby series through a promotion
and room rebate credit. The funds would be allocated $10,000 to the XVSERIES and $5,000 total
eligible rebate to Seattle Rugby.
XVSERIES is a Seattle based organization whose goal is to develop and support the amateur
American rugby athlete and provide a recognizable pathway of competition, enabling
progression to a professional, elite league or national representation. XVSERIES fosters and
promotes links with USA rugby organizations and regional clubs, who have the collective goal of
developing USA eligible players. The core of the XVSERIES program is to facilitate an elite level
series of games. Games in the XVSERIES will be played by select teams from rugby clubs,
regional pathway programs and member organizations of the XVSERIES, working together with
their local regional youth programs, colleges and regional clubs to identify and develop USA
eligible players. Playing XVSERIES games to expose and engage those players and support staff
at an elite level, for progression to professional rugby and the national team.
Seattle Rugby is a Seattle based men's and women's rugby club and one of the members of the
XVSeries. Seattle Rugby will be hosting away amateur rugby teams from across the United
States at Starfire Sports. Seattle Rugby will be securing the hotel rooms for the visiting away
teams.
1) If an event, list the event name, date(s), and projected overall attendance.
It is anticipated that 15 XV matches will be hosted at Starfire Sports. Estimated attendance is
about 500 people per match, so a total of 7,500.
2) Is your event/activity/facility focusing on attracting overnight tourists, day tourists, or both?
Both. The XV Series will bring in high level amateur adult rugby teams to Starfire Sports. The
teams will come from across the United States to play. It's anticipated that fans will come to
view the matches.
3) Describe why visitors will travel to Tukwila to attend your event/activity/facility.
The XVSeries games are scheduled to take place at Starfire Sports. Through our agreement with
the Seattle Rugby the City will require that only Tukwila hotels can be used for get the room
rebate.
4) Describe the geographic target of the visitors you hope to attract (locally, regionally,
nationally, and/or internationally).
For travelling teams, the geographical target area for teams is the entire United States. Fans
attending the games will likely come from the Greater Seattle area.
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5) Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility in attracting tourists.
Tukwila and Starfire Sports have started to become the epicenter of rugby in the Pacific NW.
Starfire has been the home of the Seattle Seawolves since the team's inception. The City has
had success sponsoring international rugby events and a large rugby 7s national championships.
6) If this your first time holding the event/activity/facility provide background on why you think
it will be successful.
The organizers of the XVSeries and Seattle Rugby have significant experience hosting rugby
matches. Many of the same individuals with XV and Seattle Rugby were part of the volunteer
group that hosted the recent Rugby 7s tournament at Starfire Sports.
7) 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.
There are two specific components of this funding request. A sponsorship agreement with the
XVSeries and a rebate program with Seattle Rugby. XVSeries is working to grow amateur rugby
in the United States. Seattle Rugby will serve as the host team for Seattle games. XVSeries is
targeted at existing amateur clubs and already has games scheduled at Starfire Sports. The
games at Starfire will be promoted via existing rugby networks in the Greater Seattle area by
XVSeries and Seattle Rugby.
8) Describe how you will promote lodging establishments, restaurants, retailers, and
entertainment establishments in the City of Tukwila.
The following are the digital benefits the City will receive from the XVSeries as part of the
sponsorshi
p:
• Recognition as XVSERIES Key Sponsor
• Logo on XVSERIES website and digital media
• Logo exposure at XVSERIES Starfire Stadium Games
• Banners at pitch level at Starfire Stadium Games
• In stadium, (Starfire) PA announcements at half-time
• Exposure/connection to XVSERIES Program Members
• Logo on XVSERIES Pull up Banner and other Promotional Materials/Flyers/Merchandise for
Starfire Games
• Regular "brought to you by" shout -outs on social media, (FB, TW & IG)
As part of the recent rugby 7s championships hosted in Tukwila last month the
ExperienceTukwila.com website saw significant interest from rugby fans, with the Rugby 7s
event page on the site getting a significant number of page visits. Additionally, social media
posts last month regarding the rugby 7s were the most popular posts of the month. The
backbone of promoting other businesses through this event will be ExperienceTukwila.com and
social media.
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9) Is the City able to use your digital and print media for collaborative marketing?
Yes, the City would get shoutouts on XVSeries and Seattle Rugby social media accounts and
websites.
10) Describe how you will use the name, "Tukwila" in publications, promotions, and for your
event?
This will be a condition of any agreement with the XVSeries and Seattle Rugby.
11) 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.)
As a direct result of your proposed tourism -related service, provide an estimate of:
a.
Overall attendance at your proposed event/activity/facility.
10,000
b.
Number of people who will travel fewer than 50 miles for your
event/activity.
9,000
c.
Number of people who will travel more than 50 miles for your
event/activity.
1,000
d.
Of the people who travel more than 50 miles, the number of people
who will travel from another country or state.
1,000
e.
Of the people who travel more than 50 miles, the number of people
who will stay overnight in Tukwila.
780
f.
Of the people staying overnight, the number of people who will stay in
PAID accommodations (hotel/motel/bed-breakfast) in Tukwila.
780
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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)
500
12) 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?
For the agreement with XVSeries, the City will track digital outcomes on XVSeries digital
medias and outcomes from the City's Experience digital marketing platforms.
For the agreement with Seattle Rugby, the City will require specific tracking of hotel
room nights in order to qualify for the room rebate. The total rebate is $10 per room
night at Tukwila hotel ($5,000 max).
13) Are you applying for lodging tax funds from another community? If so, which communities
and in what amounts?
No.
14) Are you applying funding from Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority (SSRTA)? If so, in
what amount?
No.
15) What is the overall budget for your event/activity/facility? What percent of the budget are
you requesting from the City of Tukwila?
This is a sponsorship agreement and would not impact the games taking place. The sponsorship
allows the City to capture the room nights and expand the City's brand with the rugby
community.
16) What will you cut from your proposal or do differently if full funding for your request is not
available or recommended?
The City would not have a sponsorship agreement and would lose the ability to capture the
room nights in Tukwila.
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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.
Updated: January 5, 2021
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City of Tukwila
City Council Planning & Community Development Committee
Meeting Minutes
September20, 2021 - 5:30 p.m. - Electronic Meeting due to COVID-19 Emergency
Councilmembers Present:
Staff Present:
I. BUSINESS AGENDA
Kathy Hougardy, Chair; Verna Seal, Thomas McLeod
Brandon Miles, Rachel Bianchi, Derek Speck, Kia Shagena, Nora
Gierloff
A. Lodging Tax Applications
Gut Check Wrestling Tournament
*Staff is seeking Council approval of $15,000 to sponsor the Gut Check Wrestling Tournament,
including a rebate of up to $9,000 for each room night generated in Tukwila and a flat rate of
$6,000 to market the city to participants.
XV Rugby
Staff is seeking Council approval of $15,000 to support the XV Rugby Series including a $10,000
sponsorship and $5,000 for a room rebate credit.
Committee Recommendation
Unanimous approval. Forward to October 4, 2021 Regular Consent Agenda.
B. Code Enforcement Process & Prioritization
Staff provided an overview of the Code Enforcement process and prioritization methodology.
Committee Recommendation
Discussion only.
C. King County Recreational Vehicle Safe Lot Site Proposal
Staff explained King County's interest in siting a recreational vehicle safe lot at the former
Randy's Restaurant site using ARPA funds, and for a limited duration of two years. Staff also
noted that King County is not pursuing a property in Tukwila for the Health through Housing
initiative.
Item(s) for follow-up:
• Provide regular reporting on progress of proposal and associated Good Neighbor
Agreements.
• Present information to full Council when timing is appropriate.
Committee Recommendation
Discussion only.
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