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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Meeting

October 13, 2025 · Whatcom, WA
Source: Meeting minutes 2025-10-13 (PDF, 10 pp)
Retrieved April 14, 2026 from www.whatcomcounty.us ↗
Confidence: 90%
High

Attendees

Executive Satpal Sidhu (County Executive (Chair))
Rebecca Boonstra (Mt. Baker Chamber of Commerce)
Meganne Offredi (Holiday Inn & Suites)
Guy Occhiogrosso (Whatcom Chamber)
Dylan Deane-Boyle (BWCT – Visit Bellingham Whatcom County)
Jake Logan (Whatcom County Executive’s Office - Administration)
Representative (Whatcom Frightmare Haunted House)
Erin Deinzer (Sea to Sky Events)
Delaney Skordahl (Sustainable Connections)
Jiggy Sorrel (Warrior Service USA)
Audrey Sager (Cascadia International Women's Film Festival)
Cheryl Brooks (Cascadia International Women's Film Festival)
Frida Desmond (Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce)
Debbie Parker (Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival)
Lindsay Gerhard (Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism)
Danielle Gaughen (Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce)
Tatiana Stone (Bellingham SeaFeast)
Kevin Goldman (Bellingham SeaFeast)
Anna Rankin (Whatcom Events/EDP)
David Starr (North Cascades Bluegrass Festival)
Marshall Miller (Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage)
Madison Cluny (Jansen Arts Center)
Sara O'Connor (Ferndale Community Services)
✓ Present: 23/23

Decisions

#1

UNANIMOUS

#2

UNANIMOUS

#3

UNANIMOUS

#4

UNANIMOUS

#5

UNANIMOUS

#6

UNANIMOUS

#7

UNANIMOUS

#8

UNANIMOUS

#9

UNANIMOUS

#10

UNANIMOUS

#11

UNANIMOUS

#12

UNANIMOUS

#13

UNANIMOUS

#14

UNANIMOUS

Agenda Items

#1

Welcome and Introductions

The committee introduced themselves and confirmed a quorum was present.

#2

Confirmation of June 26, 2025 Meeting Minutes

The committee approved the minutes from the June 26, 2025 meeting.

#3

Public Comment

The committee opened the floor for public comment regarding the board, lodging tax policy, or process.

#4

Budget and Funding Priorities Discussion

The committee discussed the proposed 2026 budget allocation and funding priorities.

#5

Review of Tourism Promotion / Public Tourism Agency Applications

The committee reviewed eight applications in the Tourism Promotion category.

#6

Review of Event/Festival Applications

The committee reviewed 18 event and festival applications.

Public Comments

2 speakers
Erin Deinzer · Topic: Sea to Sky Events

Inquired about funding decisions

Sara O'Connor · Topic: Ferndale Community Services

Presented information about Ferndale Pride Celebration