Bothell Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting - May 19, 2026

The City of Bothell's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (ELTAC) convened on May 19, 2026, to discuss the city's lodging tax strategy and related expenditures. Key procurement-related topics included a detailed review of the current contract with Street Sense, a marketing firm responsible for promoting tourism and increasing hotel stays. The committee examined return on investment data showing significant visitor spending attributed to marketing efforts, with discussions about the effectiveness of current spending on marketing, events, and facilities such as the visitor center and holiday lighting. Members debated reallocating funds away from low-impact areas like the visitor center and holiday lighting toward more effective digital marketing and grant programs aimed at increasing overnight stays. The committee also considered issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to explore alternative marketing vendors and strategies, emphasizing the need for a more targeted and data-driven approach. They agreed to continue monthly meetings to refine the tourism strategy and prepare recommendations for the City Council's review on June 2, 2026. No formal votes on contracts were recorded, but there was consensus on evaluating current contracts and potential reallocation of funds to maximize lodging tax revenue.