LT2025-002 CLE ELUM DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION CLTAC

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Response 6.1: Provide any additional information which will assist the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in evaluating your project and its benefit to tourism. The Cle Elum Downtown Association plays a pivotal role in the ongoing Downtown Revitalization Project. This summer marks the fourth year of the project, with the current phase representing the most visible transformation in a prominent section of the downtown area. Upon completion, this phase will feature expanded sidewalks, new trees, planters, and light poles, showcasing the future appearance of the downtown core. These updates will enhance the area’s attractiveness, improve walkability, and facilitate better access to retail establishments. Our association remains committed to investing in continuous improvements. Annually, we allocate at least $20,000 towards small business façade and landscape enhancement grants. These funds have supported upgrades to building façades, signage, and landscaping, fostering a stronger sense of pride among business owners and greater community involvement. This year, we have initiated a phased project to install new rooftop lights on downtown buildings, which will enhance the area’s appeal year-round. This 2–3-year project involves collaborating with building owners to fund and implement the lighting upgrades. Additionally, we are in the planning stages for a new pocket park to further enrich the downtown environment. As renovation progresses, we will coordinate with the city to install new Wayfinding signs. These signs will significantly impact traffic patterns and guide visitors to key locations such as businesses, parks, museums, and other attractions, enhancing their exploration and understanding of our community. In alignment with our preservation goals, we are developing a new historic walking tour of downtown, highlighting our historic buildings and events. The Cle Elum Downtown Association invests substantial resources in marketing and community enhancement to support retail activity and attract visitors. Funding through the lodging tax grant is crucial for continuing our efforts, covering expenses not addressed by lodging tax funds, and producing high-quality events and activities that engage and delight tourists. In 2024, we added (3) new activities to promote tourism including: Pioneer Days and Christmas in Cle Elum Parade(s) as well as a fireworks display for Christmas in Cle Elum. Additionally, in 2022 we began working with the City of Cle Elum to coordinate downtown Holiday Lighting, as well as interactive art displays (giant candy canes). This annual display has become popular in tourism and community 2500 character limit Response 6.2: You may upload any supporting documents such as graphs, images, diagrams, marketing materials, etc. You are allowed to submit up to 3 single page (US Letter) documents in JPG, PDF or TIFF format 7| Previous Lodging Tax Grant Information Response 7.1: Has your event received Lodging Tax funds in previous years?* No, this event/project has not previously received Lodging Tax Funding Yes, 1 year previous Yes, 2 years previous Yes, 3 years previous Yes, 4 or more years previous Response 7.2: Overall Attendance * Past Actual *Projected * 12,266 13,000 Response 7.3: Number of people travelling more than 50 miles for your event?* Past Actual *Projected * 2,347 3,000 Response 7.4: Number of people traveling from outside WA State for your event?* Past Actual *Projected *