The city of Philomath will accept grant applications for its transient lodging tax grant program until Nov. 29, the city announced.
The Philomath City Council established a transient lodging tax in June 2021. This past June, councilors approved a TLT policy and grant program, which awards portions of those funds to organizations that support tourism-related activities.
The city said organizations applying for tourism grant funding must be a verifiable nonprofit, service organization or business and added that individuals are not eligible.
According to the council’s policy, 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 is designed to provide support to organizations that complement the city’s established tourism objectives.
The city 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 possible from Travel Oregon, Business Oregon and other state or federal funding partners for specific projects.
To comply with a state statute on TLTs, at least 70% of the net revenue on the tax must be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities, or certain debt-related expenses, and no more than 30% may be used for city services.
According to information in a press release by Philomath Finance Director Mike Murzynsky, all funds received through the city’s TLT and through the county’s allocation to the city will be used to fund tourism promotion or tourism-related facilities.
Half of the funds through those sources will then be reallocated to the city’s tourism grant program with the other 50% to be used for tourism-related projects identified in the Philomath Strategic Plan.
More information can be found on the application, which is available at this link, or by visiting City Hall. For questions about the funding program or application process, contact Murzynsky at 541-929-9709 or mike.murzynsky@philomathoregon.gov.