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Response 6.1: Provide any additional information which will assist the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee in evaluating your
<br />project and its benefit to tourism.
<br />The Downtown Cle Elum Association (CEDA) successfully completed the Downtown Revitalization Project at the beginning of
<br />2025, transforming a key section of downtown with expanded sidewalks, new trees, planters, and light poles, enhancing
<br />walkability and visitor access to retail and dining. Building on this, CEDA is continuing a “3rd Phase” focused on space
<br />activation, beautification, and tourism promotion through living and design elements.
<br />In partnership with Columbia Bank (formerly Umpqua Bank), CEDA is dedicated to completing the new pocket park -- a project
<br />that has been on hold pending corporate approval from the bank. Seasonal activations include holiday lighting on downtown
<br />trees and spring hanging flower baskets (“Cle Elum in Bloom”), while a phased rooftop lighting project across buildings
<br />enhances year-round visual appeal.
<br />Facade and Beautification Efforts:
<br />In 2024, improvements included the painting of the Historic Carpenter House, façade upgrades to 509 Bakehouse and Mountain
<br />Elegance Buildings, and funding assistance for a new awning at Gemini Fish Market (this has not been completed at this time).
<br />In 2025, a new round of grants has been approved to finish the Mountain Elegance space, Jensen Farms Outpost, and Bright
<br />and Day, including new windows and paint, creating a consistent, historically-aligned façade along this connected block. These
<br />efforts reinforce downtown’s historic charm while enhancing visitor experience and tourism appeal.
<br />CEDA continues to support small business improvements ($20,000 annually), while Wayfinding signage, the historic walking
<br />tour, and signature events—Pioneer Days, Boo-Elum, and Christmas in Cle Elum—attract visitors statewide and nationally.
<br />Placer Labs data shows over 35% of attendees travel 50+ miles, supporting overnight stays and economic impact.
<br />Through these completed and ongoing initiatives—revitalization, pocket park development, seasonal beautification, façade
<br />improvements, strategic events, and marketing—CEDA ensures downtown Cle Elum remains a dynamic, visitor-friendly
<br />destination, directly benefiting tourism, local businesses, and Kittitas County’s economy.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Response 6.2: You may upload any supporting documents such as graphs, images, diagrams, marketing materials, etc.
<br />You are allowed to submit up to 3 single page (US Letter) documents in JPG, PDF or TIFF format
<br />7| Previous Lodging Tax Grant Information
<br />Response 7.1: Has your event received Lodging Tax funds in previous years?*
<br />No, this event/project has not previously received Lodging Tax Funding
<br />Yes, 1 year previous
<br />Yes, 2 years previous
<br />Yes, 3 years previous
<br />Yes, 4 or more years previous
<br />Response 7.2: Overall Attendance *
<br />Past Actual *Projected *
<br />17,710 20,930
<br />Response 7.3: Number of people travelling more than 50 miles for your event?*
<br />Past Actual *Projected *
<br />8,323 9,837
<br />Response 7.4: Number of people traveling from outside WA State for your event?*
<br />Past Actual *Projected *
<br />1,381 1,633
<br />Response 7.5: The number of overnight guests who stay in paid accommodations in Kittitas County for your event?*
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