The City of Yakima Tourism Grant Program for projects funded in 2025 is not currently accepting applications. Applications for projects funded in 2026 will be accepted May 12, 2025 – July 11, 2025.

2026 Tourism-Promotion-Application v.3.11.25

Introduction

The City of Yakima receives annual funding from the Hotel/Motel tax, which is collected from overnight lodging at hotels, motels, and short-term rentals, including Airbnb, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs), RV parks, and other accommodations, for stays of fewer than 30 days within the city limits.

The city has established a Lodging Tax Advisory Committee that reviews submitted applications and makes recommendations to the City Council for approval. The committee’s and the Council’s goal in selecting projects for assistance through the Tourism Grant Program is to enhance Yakima’s tourism market. Funding is limited to projects that promote or develop tourism in Yakima.

Washington State RCW 67.28 outlines the permissible uses for these funds. They are specifically allocated for use by non-profit organizations or public agencies.

Project Eligibility

Applications will only be accepted from entities that have previously received LTAC grant funds from the City of Yakima.

Preference will be given to proposals from qualified entities for:

• Funding projects concerned with operating or improving city-owned facilities that generate overnight tourism;
• Year-round tourism promotion and sales efforts through the destination marketing organization.

The applicant must demonstrate clearly and convincingly that the proposed project complies with the state statutes governing the use of funds. For reference, refer to  Washington State RCW 67.28 

Contract

Each project selected for funding will be required to enter into a contractual agreement with the City of Yakima.  The agreement will cover such areas as scope of services, terms, compensation, reporting, specification of payment procedures, limits of City of Yakima liability and other usual customary requirements.

Monitoring and reporting

As a contractual condition, each funded project will be monitored for progress and consistency with original goals.  The sponsor will be required to submit a final report at the end of the project and may be required to submit periodic progress reports during the course of the project.

 Selection Process

City staff will review the applications for completeness and eligibility. Qualifying applications will then be evaluated by the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, a nine-person panel.  The panel will be comprised of four representatives of business that collect lodging tax revenues; four representatives of persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by lodging tax revenues; and one City of Yakima elected official who shall serve as chair of the committee.  City of Yakima staff from the Finance Department will be the staff liaison.