Lodging Tax May Fund Space and Marathon Events

Seattle Space Week is expanding to add Redmond as a host city in 2027. 

 A point-to-point marathon from Marymoor Park to Gas Works Park on Sunday, April 18th, 2027. 

The lodging tax on hotels funds events to attract visitors to Redmond
credit: Experience Redmond

Funding for the tourism matching grants comes from the 1% lodging tax on Redmond hotels and motels, collected through the Lodging Tax Tourism Fund. 

The purpose of the Lodging Tax Fund is to increase tourism in Redmond by attracting visitors from more than 50 miles away, particularly overnight visitors who stay in Redmond hotels.  The LTAC consists of 7 members, including an equal number of hoteliers and members representing interests that might be funded by the tax. A Councilmember, currently Councilmember Vanessa Kritzer, serves as the committee chair.

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) voted and recommends the 2027 Tourism matching grants of $171,500 and City Community Events and Cultural Arts Program allocations of $150,000, for a total of $321,500. 

The LTAC recommends that the City Council approve funding for 19 of the 20 external applications  totaling $171,500. The LTAC also recommends fully funding the City Community Events (Redmond Lights, Derby Days Cltural Arts)  at the budgeted amount of $150,000. 

2027 Applications can be found here: https://www.redmond.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/1411  Two exciting NEW EVENTS are proposed for funding.  

Seattle Space Week (NEW EVENT): Seattle Space Week is expanding to add Redmond as a host city in 2027. Space Northwest will anchor the Week in Redmond with the Seattle Space Week Kickoff, the Space Northwest Symposium, and Redmond Space District facility tours. Location: Redmond Hotel Location TBD

Washington State Marathon (NEW EVENT): A point-to-point marathon from Marymoor Park to Gas Works Park on Sunday, April 18th, 2027. This will be a USATF Certified Marathon and runners will be able to use this event to qualify for the 7 Major Marathons or the Olympic Trials. Location: Hotel Location TB

-- Bob Yoder, Source: Council business meeting agenda, 10/20/26