City of Kent seeks applicants for tourism grants

Funds to help promote city as business, leisure destination

People visit the Kent Farmers Market. FILE PHOTO

People visit the Kent Farmers Market. FILE PHOTO

City leaders are looking for groups to apply for grants to help promote Kent as a business and leisure destination.

Applications for the City of Kent’s 2019 Business or Leisure Tourism Promotion Grants will be accepted online Sept. 1-30.

The program is designed to fund the marketing, operation and promotion of activities, events or projects that promote Kent both as a business or leisure destination, ultimately bringing more people to the city, according to a city news release.

Nonprofit industry associations and organizations, convention and visitors’ bureaus, public facilities districts, destination marketing organizations, chambers of commerce and municipalities are eligible to apply.

Kent’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) will review the applications in October and make funding recommendations to the City Council. Grant funds will be disbursed in 2019.

According to Council President Bill Boyce, the grant program is a great opportunity for small nonprofits just getting their events started, as well as larger scale industry groups who wish to expand their programs.

“The LTAC is making a concerted effort to ensure different organizations are aware of this opportunity to obtain financial backing. While the process is competitive, the committee wants to support those with innovative ideas to elevate Kent’s profile, both from a business or entertainment perspective,” Boyce said.

The grant awards are selected through a competitive process. Complete program eligibility requirements and criteria are available at KentWA.gov/LTAC; the online application will go live Sept. 1.

The money for grant awards is from a 1 percent state tax on overnight hotel, motel, bed and breakfast and campground stays in Kent. State law dictates who is eligible to apply, and mandates the funds be used for marketing and promotion of business and leisure tourism.

In 2017, the committee awarded more than $325,000 in grants to support local project and events, as well as marketing services to promote Kent across the Pacific Northwest.

For more information, contact Michelle Wilmot, city economic development manager, at mwilmot@KentWA.gov or 253-856-5709.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
Kent Police arrest man for reportedly raping two women

Man, 39, allegedly attacked women in his car; first case in October 2023, second case February 2024

t
Voters strongly defeating Kent School District levy

Nearly 60% against Capital Projects and Technology Levy on April 23 ballot

t
Kent Police pursue, arrest two 14-year-old boys for armed robbery

April 23 incident began at convenience store along West Meeker Street; ended on Military Road South

t
Man killed at Auburn’s Muckleshoot Casino in ‘random’ stabbing

Police: ‘There did not appear to be any altercation between the two prior to the incident.’

Speakers at the Valley Comm/Crisis Connections press conference on April 16. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Help is 3 numbers away: Crisis 911-988-211 services are now under one roof

“Through the Valley Comm 911/Crisis Connections partnership, we will help thousands more South King County community members get through what they’re going through.”

t
Kent Police chief believes new carjacking task force will reduce crime

Kent will play key role in efforts by U.S. Department of Justice to combat carjacking

t
Former Kent School District bus driver accused of raping student

Renton man, 39, reportedly sexually assaulted 11-year-old girl multiple times on bus

t
Kent Police investigate death of man found near railroad tracks

Found Sunday afternoon, April 21 in the 1000 block of First Avenue North

t
Asylum seekers, supporters ask Kent City Council for housing help

They want Econo Lodge on Central Avenue reopened; Kent, King County have no plans to do so

King County SWAT vehicle. Courtesy photo
Investigation concludes on SWAT team’s fatal shooting of suspect in Algona

A multi-agency team has finished investigating the King County SWAT’s shooting of… Continue reading

A screenshot of the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter view of the arrest of a Kent man after carjacking incidents Feb. 13 in Kent. COURTESY IMAGE, King County Sheriff’s Office
Kent Police to join new Western Washington Carjacking Task Force

U.S. Department of Justice announces Seattle, Kent police departments as partners to reduce crime

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla and his command staff will host a community meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at Highline College. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
Kent Police set community meeting for May 9 at Highline College

Topics to include latest news, updates from Police Chief Rafael Padilla and his command staff