City of Mountlake Terrace Lodging Tax Grants

The City of Mountlake Terrace is inviting applications for its 2026 Lodging Tax Grant Program, with a total of $50,000 in funds available for programs and events that are expected to draw tourists to the city. These grants are funded by local lodging taxes, which are collected from businesses providing overnight accommodations, historically centered around the now-sold Studio 6 motel. While this facility will be redeveloped into affordable housing in the future, the City has confirmed that lodging tax reserves remain sufficient to support tourism-focused initiatives for the next several years. Grants may be awarded to projects that promote tourism through marketing or operational support for special events and festivals. They may also be used to support capital expenditures or operations of tourism-related facilities that are publicly owned or operated by nonprofit organizations. Examples of previously supported events include the 3rd of July Fireworks Celebration, Arts of the Terrace, Tour de Terrace, and the newer WagFest produced by the Mountlake Terrace Chamber of Commerce. Eligibility for the grant requires a complete application that includes an estimate of the potential economic impact, in accordance with Chapter 67.28 of the Revised Code of Washington. The application window opens on September 10, 2025, and closes at 4:30 p.m. on October 22, 2025. All applications must be submitted within this period to be considered. Submissions are evaluated by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), which reviews proposals based on their potential to increase tourism and overnight stays, completeness of the application, eligible use of funds, and demonstration of financial need or funding shortfall. Additional considerations include whether applicants have sought other funding such as Snohomish County lodging tax or external sponsorships. The LTAC will make funding recommendations to the City Council, which is expected to consider them during its December 11, 2025 meeting. Selected applicants will enter into agreements with the City, and grant funds will be disbursed as reimbursements upon submission of qualifying receipts and invoices after event completion. Interested applicants should review detailed guidelines and application requirements at [cityofmlt.com/464](https://cityofmlt.com/464) and may also watch the recorded information session for further clarification. For assistance or to request a hard copy of application materials, contact Events Coordinator Andrew Appelwick at 425-744-6287 or via email at aappelwick@mltwa.gov. Media inquiries should be directed to Sienna Spencer-Markles, Communications & Community Engagement Manager, at sspencer@mltwa.gov or 425-744-6205.

Submit complete documentation including budget and estimates of impact; demonstrate need; seek multiple funding sources.