LT2026-009 ELLENSBURG DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION FINAL-1

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Response 5: Please explain what plans exist to allow this project to become self-sustaining. Include any plans for ticket sales, event sponsors, and other cost-recovery models.* The EDA uses a diversified funding model that builds long-term sustainability while growing tourism impact: Sponsorships: Local and regional businesses invest in tiered sponsorship packages, receiving recognition across print, digital, and on-site promotions. Sponsorship interest continues to rise as event attendance and visibility increase. Event Participation Revenue: Vendor fees, business activations, and an annual beer garden fundraiser (Hoedown) generate direct revenue. Private fundraising events are occasionally added to expand earned income. Grants & Main Street Tax Credit Incentive Program (MSTCIP): Grants and MSTCIP investments fund downtown enhancements such as murals, lighting, and placemaking, which elevate the visitor experience and extend overnight stays. Volunteer Contributions: Over 2,000 volunteer hours annually reduce staffing cost. LTAC funding is a critical resource that enables us to expand marketing reach and enhance programming quality. This draws more overnight visitors, which in turn strengthens sponsorship value, increases vendor demand, and generates higher earned revenue. In recent years, LTAC-supported marketing has directly contributed to measurable growth in attendance, out-of-county participation, and local business sales — outcomes that reinforce sponsor confidence and encourage greater private investment. As a nonprofit, we will continue to balance LTAC support with sponsorships, program donors, vendor fees, grants, and MSTCIP projects. Over time, this approach reduces reliance on any single funding source and ensures the long-term sustainability of downtown Ellensburg’s tourism events. 2500 character limit Application Questions: Part 4 6| Additional Information 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 Ellensburg Downtown Association’s year-round programming provides measurable tourism benefits that align directly with Kittitas County’s strategic goals: Visitor Impact: Attendance data, out-of-county tracking, and marketing ROI demonstrate our success. Year-Round Tourism: Events spread across all seasons address the county’s challenge of balancing peak visitation with shoulder-season activity. Regional Marketing Alignment: Our campaigns target the county’s strongest markets: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Yakima, Spokane, and Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro. Downtown Ellensburg programming directly supports the Kittitas County Tourism Plan’s goal of “supporting downtown districts as cultural destinations and promoting shoulder-season tourism to balance visitor flow.” Partnerships: Collaboration with the Chamber, CWU, City of Ellensburg, Rodeo, and local businesses ensures wide-reaching impact. By investing LTAC dollars into these events and marketing initiatives, the committee ensures that Ellensburg continues to attract overnight visitors, drive spending in lodging and dining, and reinforce Kittitas County’s identity as a premier year-round tourism destination. 2500 character limit