Tourism Commission

Tourism Commission Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Tuesday 3:30 PM Mayor’s Boardroom, City Hall 210 Lottie St Bellingham, April 22, 2025 WA 98225 Audio Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Tourism Commission meeting (video) was called to order by the Chair, Peter Fraizer, at 3:31 PM. Members: Council Representative: ☒ Peter Frazier (Tourism Commission Chair) ☒ Hollie Huthman, LTAC Chair ☒ Christine Jenkins, LTAC ☒ Craig Jewell Ex-Officio: ☐ Kevin Coleman ☒ Dylan Deane-Boyle, BWCT ☐ Marc Blake, LTAC ☒ Maria Coltharp, Whatcom Museum ☒ Matt Lesinski, LTAC ☐ John Purdie, Mt Baker Theater ☒ Nick Kelly, LTAC ☐ Sara Holliday, LTAC Staff/ Other Panelists: ☒ Stephanie Morrell, LTAC ☒ Tara Sundin, PCDD ☒ Todd Elsworth ☒ Taylor Webb, PCDD ☒ Darby Galligan, PCDD Approve Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the meeting minutes from the March meeting by Todd Elsworth, seconded by Hollie Huthman. All in favor, motion passes. Minutes approved. Agenda Items Tourism Commission 1. Tourism Strategic Plan A sub-committee of the Tourism Commission met to provide detailed feedback to the draft Tourism Strategic Plan. Staff shared a short presentation that summarized the Plan, including feedback from the subcommittee. Staff then welcomed questions and feedback from Commissioners. A few changes were recommended by both Staff and the Commission during the discussion which were to clarify/ define the waterfront area and to revise the title of the second strategy to “Expand and Strengthen Art & Culture.” Staff will make these revisions before finalizing the Plan. Motion to approve the Tourism Strategic Plan with the agreed upon revisions by Hollie Huthman, second by Craig Jewell. All in favor, motion passes. Tourism Strategic Plan approved. Other Business For the Good of the Order, Legislative Issues, and Announcements • Darby shared an update on Downtown Activation & Beautification funded projects o Several vacant retail window wraps have been installed downtown – Windows Alive! This project was a collaboration between Paper Whale, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and Western Washington University. The window wraps were designed by Western graphic design students, and they feature a QR code to Hello Lampost – a new interactive AI concierge that allows users to ask it questions about downtown businesses, activities, and services. o Three immersive art experiences are coming to downtown in May and will stay for several months. These Meow Wolf-like art installations are transforming vacant retail spaces downtown with immersive and interactive art. There will be several free opportunities for the public to experience these installations. Paper Whale is also inviting the Tourism Commission to join for a guided walking tour of the Windows Alive! and Immersive Experience Project on May 2nd. o The murals to be painted on both sides of the Lakeway underpass are still being finalized. A final version was presented to Staff and the BAC and direction was given to have the artists incorporate more of their own style back into the piece. Once the final version is approved, it will be shared with the Tourism Commission. o A series of funded projects for the alley between Bay and Commercial Streets has been combined into a single collaboration project between Children of the Setting Sun and Paper Whale called Setting Sun Alley. Some images were shared of work planned which includes murals and permanent art installations. • Tara shared an update on January’s budget which showed we were down 7% in lodging tax and 10% in TPA funds (tourism promotion area). February’s data was not yet available, but she promised to share the data once available. BWCT shared that those numbers seem similar to what the lodging occupancy reports showed. They also reminded Commissioners about their Canadian messaging toolkit that is available for partners. • BWCT shared that the tourism assessment committee bill is currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature. This bill would assess the feasibility of a statewide TPA. • There was a brief discussion and check in about local impacts felt by lack of Canadian visitors. Christine said her hotel has experience a minimal decline in Canadian travels and seen an overall increase in leisure stays. Peter said his Airbnb has not seen a decrease in stays. Craig said he still has many Canadian ticket purchasers to his upcoming shows at the Wild Buffalo. And Hollie said she has experienced Canadians unsubscribing to the Shakedown newsletters and have expressed that they no longer want to support the US. However, everyone is continuing to message to their audiences that we are welcoming to Canadians. • Taylor shared that online Tourism Promotion applications will available for 2026 applicants. A draft will be shared with the Commission next month for approval. • There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Little Squalicum Pier at 3pm on Saturday, April 26th. • Kevin Sur with Artist Home, winner of the Signature Event grant, is still excited to move forward with his event for 2026 despite the recent decline in Canadian visitors. Public Comment No public comment was given. Upcoming Meetings • May meeting 5/27 Meeting adjourned at 4:39pm. Minutes prepared by: Taylor Webb, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Tourism Commission members.