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City of Vancouver Washington

City opens Lodging Tax Grant application for 2026 tourism and cultural events, festivals and programs  

July 28, 2025

Vancouver's Ballet Folklorico perform at an event at Fourth Plain Community Commons in Vancouver

The City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee will accept grant applications for 2026 tourism-related projects and events from Aug. 1 to Sept. 19. 

Grants are available for local events and festivals, tourism promotion and marketing programs, or capital improvement projects that increase overnight and day-visit tourism.  Lodging Tax Grants are funded through a four percent lodging tax on hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast stays. 

“These grants fuel the kinds of experiences that make Vancouver vibrant—from cultural festivals to community-driven tourism programs,” said Deputy Economic Development Director Chris Harder. “We’re eager to support projects that reflect our values, extend the season, and welcome visitors beyond the usual event locations and times.”  

The committee will prioritize funding for events that meet one or more of the following criteria: 

  • Take place outside the peak summer event season (June–August) 
  • Occur outside of downtown Vancouver 
  • Support local, small businesses 
  • Celebrate diverse or underserved communities 
  • Support climate action 

Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with the City’s Strategic Plan Core Values, Visit Vancouver’s Destination Master Plan, and other factors including seasonality, geography, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, uniqueness and economic impact. 

Support for applicants 

The City and Visit Vancouver are offering the following resources to assist applicants: 

  • Online Q&A sessions: Optional virtual info sessions will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, and from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. Email Kimberly Kerlee at kimberly.kerlee@cityofvancouver.us to receive a meeting link. Recordings will be posted online after each session. 
  • One-on-one consultations: Visit Vancouver is offering 30-minute appointments to help event organizers respond to visitor-related questions in the application. Book an appointment with Visit Vancouver. 

For details and to apply, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/lodgingtaxgrants. 

Media contacts:

Chris Harder, Deputy Economic Development Director, chris.harder@cityofvancouver.us
Laura Shepard, Communications Director, laura.shepard@cityofvancouver.us