Bellevue Explores Tourism Partnership With Redmond

BELLEVUE, WA — The Bellevue City Council this week moved forward with plans to create an interlocal agreement with neighboring Redmond to raise funds for tourism promotion in both cities.

Council members reviewed a draft of an agreement to set up a tourism promotion area for five years, which would levy a $2.50 fee per night at hotels in Bellevue and Redmond. Officials estimate the collections would generate $3.5 million in the first year, with stipulations for the funds can only be spent on tourism promotional efforts.

Under the agreement, the program would be overseen by an advisory board of stakeholders. Bellevue council members voted unanimously to move forward with de eloping the plan, and more public hearings will be scheduled in the future. If the plan is approved, collections would begin next July.

Readers can learn more about the proposal on the city's website.