City accepting grant applications for Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Grant Program

City accepting grant applications for Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) Grant Program The City of Philomath is now accepting grant applications for TLT Grant program. The deadline for submission of complete applications is August 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. CITY COUNCIL POLICY 22-1: Transient lodging taxes (TLTs) are collected and other tourism-related funds are received to reinvest in amenities and services that cater to tourists and support economic development within the City. The annual grant program will provide support to organizations that complement the City’s established tourism objectives. FUNDING SOURCE: To provide a stable funding source for the City and tourism-related organizations, the City passed Ordinance 846 in June 2021, establishing a city-wide TLT. The City also receives an annual allocation of tourism-related funds from Benton County which can be used at the City’s discretion. Additional grants and loans may also be sought from Travel Oregon, Business Oregon, and other

state or federal funding partners for specific projects. To comply with ORS 320.350, at least seventy percent (70%) of the net revenue shall be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities or certain debt-related expenses and no more than thirty percent (30%) of net revenue may be used for city services. The annual allocation from Benton County is likewise restricted but should be used for the tourist-related projects it is intended for. PRIORITIES: Periodically, the City Council will review the needs of the City and update priorities for tourism-related funding. Tourism funding priorities should reflect those goals and objectives identified in the Philomath Strategic Plan. Current funding priorities include the following: 100% of the funds received through the City’s TLT will be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities. 100% of the funds received through the County’s allocation to the City will be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities. 50% of the funds received through the City’s TLT and the County’s allocation to the City will be reallocated to the Tourism Grant Program, to be awarded to organizations that apply for and are selected to receive funds through the annual application process. The remaining 50% of the funds will be used for tourism-related projects identified in the Philomath Strategic Plan. Tourism Grants and loans received for specific projects will be used for their intended projects and should aim to leverage private investment from hotels, motels, restaurants, retailers, private transport, and other tourism-related amenities and services. Recipients of funding should incorporate: Practices of equity, inclusion and diversity Responsible stewardship of the land, air, and waters of Philomath APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Projects that contribute to the development and improvement of Philomath’s economy by means of the enhancement, expansion and promotion of the tourism industry are eligible to receive grant funding. Organizations applying for tourism grant funding must be a verifiable non-profit, service organization or business; individuals are not eligible. The application period will be open until August 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Application forms are available on the City’s website at: www.ci.philomath.or.us or at City Hall, 980 Applegate Street, Philomath. Applications can be submitted by delivering to City Hall, mailing to PO Box 400, Philomath, OR 97370, or emailing to cityhall@philomathoregon.gov. Questions about the funding program or application process should be directed to Finance Director Mike Murzynsky at (541) 929-9709 or mike.murzynsky@philomathoregon.gov. 2023 Transient Lodging Tax Grant Program Application