Lodging Tax Grant

The City of Mukilteo’s 2026 Lodging Tax Grant program is designed to support tourism, cultural activities, and the development or operation of tourism-related facilities within Mukilteo, Washington. Funded by the city's share of taxes collected from overnight stays in local lodging establishments, this program aims to stimulate the local economy by increasing visitor traffic, especially from outside the immediate area. Eligible uses of the lodging tax funds are defined by state law and include tourism marketing, special event marketing and operations, the operation of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations, and operations or capital expenditures for tourism-related facilities owned by municipalities or public facilities districts. For reference, in the 2025 funding cycle, the City Council awarded $244,106 in grants under this program, although future funding levels are not guaranteed and are subject to annual tax revenue. Applications must be submitted online via the City’s website by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Each project or grant request must be submitted as a separate online application. Applications are required to estimate how the activity will result in overnight stays or attract visitors from 50+ miles away, and should clearly describe how the project contributes to tourism, economic benefit, and regional visibility for Mukilteo. All applications are reviewed by the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), and applicants are required to present their proposals in person during the week of September 29, 2025. LTAC recommendations are expected to go before the City Council on October 20, 2025. Final decisions will be announced within 30 days, and funding agreements will be issued by the end of December. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement-only basis; organizations must incur and document expenses before receiving grant funds. Returning applicants from the 2025 grant cycle may be exempt from resubmitting certain documentation. New applicants must upload nonprofit certification, financial statements from the past two years, proof of liability insurance naming the City as additional insured, and board-approved project authorization. All applicants must agree to the terms of reimbursement and documentation protocols. For assistance, applicants may contact Nick Nehring, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, at 425-263-8018 or by email at nnehring@mukilteowa.gov.

Priority is given to projects that track overnight stays and demonstrate economic impact. Presentations to the LTAC are mandatory.