SPOKANE, Wash. – The City of Spokane’s Tourism and Cultural Investment (TACI) Grants Committee has been awarded the Washington State Tourism Award for Advancements in DEI, officials announced on Tuesday.
This recognition follows the collaborative efforts of Mayor Lisa Brown, Councilmember Zack Zappone and Visit Spokane CEO Rose Noble. To revive the TACI Committee after two years of dormancy, and ensure its compliance with state laws promoting tourism and boosting overnight hotel stays.
City officials stated that TACI grants are funded by a lodging excise tax from local hotel stays, as mandated by state law RCW 67.28.1817. This tax revenue supports initiatives that enhance Spokane’s tourism and cultural scene.
Recent grant recipients included Tacos y Tequila, Boomjam Music and Arts Festival, Garland Pride, Blue Door Theatre and more, each receiving $10,000.
“The City of Spokane is honored to receive this award, but even more so, we are grateful to put these dollars back into our community. They help fund cultural events like Tacos y Tequila and the South Perry Street Fair, which are unique to our city and strengthen the sense of connection that makes Spokane so special,” Mayor Brown said.
“Winning this award is deeply gratifying because it means the funding we help administer is not just symbolic, it is actively used to support and amplify diversity in our city,” Councilmember Zappone said. “This recognition reaffirms that these investments matter.”
