Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM June 25, 2024 Mayor’s Boardroom https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:30 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Peter Frazier (Chair), Christine Jenkins, Kelly Hart, Kevin Coleman, Marc Blake, Matt Lesinski, Nick Kelly, Stephanie Morrell, Todd Elsworth, Hollie Huthman (Council Representative), Dylan Deane-Boyle (ex- officio) Absent: Craig Jewell, Sara Holiday, and Patricia Leach (ex-officio) City Staff/Other Panelists: Tara Sundin, Darby Galligan, Tayor Webb, PCDD; John Purdie, Mount Baker Theatre 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting The minutes from April 23, 2024 were approved. Agenda Items Public Meeting 1. Consideration of the Mayor's Downtown Activation Grant Recommendations p. 2 Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) Called to Order - The LTAC meeting was opened by Hollie Huthman, LTAC Chair. Staff presented the project proposals recommended by the Jury and Mayor. Three proposals were recommended to be funded using Lodging Tax funds totaling $250,000. The committee discussed the proposals and also reviewed those recommended for General Fund support. MOTION: C. Jenkins made a motion to approve the proposals for use of Lodging Tax funds, as recommended by the jury and Mayor. N. Kelly seconded. VOTE: ALL AYES LTAC Meeting adjourned by Hollie Huthman, LTAC Chair, at 4:11pm. Tourism Commission resumes. 2. NEW Signature Event - Spring Annual Music Festival p. 5 Staff led a discussion about a new Signature Music Event RFP that is planned to be released alongside the annual Tourism Standard and Start-ups grants. Commissioners decided that the date range for the Signature Event should be extended from March-May to also include January and February (Jan-May 1st), the event scope should be broadened to accept proposals for more  than just music-focused festivals, and the budget amount should increase by $15,000 for each year to accommodate inflation and increased costs. Staff will revise the RFP to reflect these changes before it is released. Other Business 1. Public Comment Period Nick Hartrich shared his thoughts about the Fire & Story Festival and hosting outdoor events in the winter months. 2. For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Announcements • Mount Baker Theater announced their biggest season to date and launched an updated website. • Allied Arts released the Art & Culture guides. • US Travel Power Hour was hosted in Bellingham for travel/ tourism leaders statewide. Upcoming Meetings • Tourism Commission will not be meeting in the summer. The Commission will reconvene in September. • The strategic planning session will be October 22nd. Adjourned at 4:48pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Tourism Commission members.