Hotel/Motel Tax Committee

Current Commission Members

Millie Youngquist | Chair
(2026, City Rep.)

Leslie Allender
(2024, Community Rep.)

Phil Minino
(2025, Chamber Rep.)

Diane Gallagher
(2026, Chamber Rep.)

Illa Earnest
(2025, City Rep.)

Charla Howard
(2025, Community Rep.)

Isabella Santoro
(2026, Community Rep.)

Joe Gaa | City of Washington
(Advisor)

Michelle Redlinger | Washington Chamber
(Advisor)

The Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Administration Committee advises the City Council on the most efficient and effective uses of revenue derived from the hotel/motel tax, including conducting long-term planning, visioning, and development of written plans to these stated ends.

The Hotel/Motel Tax Fund Administration Committee is dedicated to promoting tourism and boosting the community’s attractions. They have partnered with multiple organizations, businesses, and committees to complete their many projects such as the wayfinding signs and a Welcome sign, Wellness Park Playground, YMCA pool, and the State Theatre Mural project. They even won a FREE mural for Washington!

Thank you to the Washington Betterment Foundation and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation for helping us fund these projects!

Hotel/Motel Committee Project Funding Available

Organizations in Washington are invited to apply for funding from the Hotel/Motel Committee to support projects that align with our mission:
To promote Washington through long-term planning and community enhancements that foster pride and attract visitors.

We are especially looking to support projects that meet one or more of the following goals:
• Expansion of promotional and marketing outreach
• Development and promotion of local tourist attractions
• Events that bring in out-of-town visitors

If your project supports these objectives, we encourage you to apply using the form linked below. Applications will be reviewed and scored by the committee based on specific criteria, including tourism impact, economic benefit, community value, feasibility, and alignment with long-term goals.

🔗 Apply Here: Hotel/Motel Committee Project Funding Application

📌 Please note:

• Submission does not guarantee funding approval.

• To allow for proper review, applications should be submitted at least 60 days prior to your anticipated funding need.

Let’s work together to grow tourism, enhance our community, and celebrate all that makes Washington a destination worth discovering!

Interested in joining this committee?

The purpose of the committee is to advise the Council on the most efficient and effective uses of the revenue derived from the tax imposed by this chapter

Expected commitment includes a monthly meeting, reading materials in preparation for the meeting, and participation in continuing education for the committee.

The committee consists of seven members with two designated by the Washington Chamber of Commerce, two designated from the City of Washington, and three community members mutually agreed upon by the Chamber & Council. Committee members serve a term of three year terms.

If interested, please fill out the City of Washington Board and Commission Application Form

For more information contact Michelle Redlinger, Washington Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, or Joe Gaa, City of Washington Administrator.

Submissions should be sent to Chairperson Millie Youngquist via email ([email protected]) or submissions may be dropped off at the Washington Chamber of Commerce, 205 W. Main St.

Michelle Redlinger, [email protected], 319-653-3272