City of Philomath Transient Lodging Tax Grant Program in Oregon

The City of Philomath's Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Grant Program is designed to reinvest collected transient lodging taxes and other tourism-related funds into amenities and services that cater to tourists and support economic development within the City. The annual grant program provides support to organizations that align with the City’s established tourism objectives. While the program's explicit "foundation mission alignment" and "theory of change" are not detailed as separate entities, the grant program itself serves as a mechanism to achieve the city's strategic goals for tourism, acting as the operational arm of its economic development and tourism promotion strategy. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are verifiable non-profit organizations, service organizations, or businesses that contribute to the development and improvement of Philomath’s economy through the enhancement, expansion, and promotion of the tourism industry. Individuals are explicitly not eligible to receive funding. The overarching impact goal is to foster economic growth and improve tourism-related services and infrastructure within Philomath, ultimately benefiting both tourists and residents by enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality. Current funding priorities dictate that 100% of the funds received through the City’s TLT and the County’s allocation to the City will be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities. Out of these funds, 50% will be reallocated to the Tourism Grant Program, to be awarded to eligible organizations through an annual application process. The remaining 50% will be used for tourism-related projects identified in the Philomath Strategic Plan. Recipients of funding are also expected to incorporate practices of equity, inclusion, and diversity, as well as responsible stewardship of Philomath’s land, air, and waters, indicating a focus on sustainable and equitable tourism development. Expected outcomes and measurable results, while not quantified with specific metrics in the provided text, include the enhancement and expansion of the tourism industry, the promotion of Philomath as a tourist destination, and the development of tourism-related facilities. The program also aims to leverage private investment from hotels, motels, restaurants, retailers, private transport, and other tourism-related amenities and services, suggesting that a successful program will demonstrate an increase in private sector engagement and investment in tourism infrastructure. The periodic review of needs and update of priorities by the City Council indicates an adaptive strategic approach to achieve these outcomes.