Lacey seeks tourism project applications for 2027 lodging tax funding 

Organizations planning tourism-related projects next year, including festivals, facilities and marketing campaigns, can now apply for a share of the City of Lacey’s 2027 lodging tax funding. 

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. Of note, multiple activities require separate applications. 

Applicants must select the category that best matches their proposal. The categories are special events or festivals that attract visitors; tourism-related facilities owned by a public entity or nonprofit and used to support tourism, the performing arts or other visitor activities; and tourism promotion or marketing efforts, including advertising, publicity and other strategies to increase tourism. 

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee reviews and scores applications using a rubric that weighs some questions more heavily than others.

Scoring favors submissions with the best odds of growing tourism and increasing paid overnight stays in Lacey and its urban growth area, though scores alone do not decide funding awards, the city said. 

Applicants selected for further review may be asked to give a presentation to the tax advisory committee. Presentations are anticipated to take place on Sept. 17, according to the city.

The funding supports tourism-related events, facilities and marketing, with most of the revenue generated through taxes on hotel and motel stays rather than local taxes. 

Lacey awarded more than $685,000 in lodging tax funding in 2026.

The Olympia/Lacey Fan Zone, organized by the Thurston County Chamber, received $80,000 and the Regional Athletic Complex received the largest award at $278,739, city data shows.

Applications and full submission guidelines are available on the city’s website.