Event Center will help reverse decline

I found the article regarding declining hotel/motel stays to be of interest (“Everett’s declining hotel tax revenue could hurt nonprofits,” March 7).

One of the reasons Everett’s overnight stays have been declining is because the City Council chose to eliminate hotel/motel tax funding to the Everett Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in budget year 2001.

Funds for the EACVB came from the hotel/motel tax and were managed by the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce. At the time the EACVB was created and throughout its history, the city recognized that the recruitment of overnight stays was an appropriate use of the hotel/motel tax revenues under state law. Not only did the business brought to the city by the EACVB increase overnight stays, it also provided revenues to local restaurants and shops. The City Council understood that a small investment in actively attracting tourist and convention activity could bring a return to the city. I believe the recent decline in overnight stays in Everett is a direct result of the decision to eliminate the EACVB.

However, at the time the City Council chose to eliminate the EACVB, it also made a decision to invest in the beautiful new events center that is serving as a catalyst for the downtown revitalization Everett has sought for so long. While the city felt the pain of reduced overnight stays in years 2001-2003, I believe the events center will provide a major focus for attracting future overnight stays in the city.

It would be great if there were sufficient hotel/motel tax dollars to invest in both the events center and an active convention and visitors bureau; maybe one day there will be. However, in looking at current and future needs, I believe the decision to move forward with a major events facility will serve the city in ways we have not even yet begun to imagine – including an increase in hotel/motel stays.

former president/CEO of the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce

and state representative

Lynnwood