New proposed guidelines for Langley’s distribution of lodging tax revenue will be reviewed at an open meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 9 at City Hall.

The Langley ad hoc tourism committee, comprised of government, lodging and restaurant representatives, developed a scoring system as a way rate to applicants. It also made other process changes, which will be discussed.

Details of the scoring system and other criteria are available online. Hard copies can be obtained at City Hall. Special arrangements can be made to provide comments if attending the meeting isn’t possible, said council member Dominique Emerson.

“We are eager to get input from everyone, so please take the time to review the new process,” she said in a press release.

Luring more visitors to Langley during the October to May shoulder season is emphasized under the proposed guidelines.

Especially desirable are multi-day activities attractive to tourists during the doldrums of January, February and March.

Priority for funding includes special events or festivals that exemplify natural resources, cultural offerings or history of Langley, visitor education, community involvement strategies, enhancing the tourism experience and projects with citywide benefit.

The money is raised by a tax on lodging and is earmarked under state law for “promotion of tourism or construction and operation of tourism-related facilities,” according to the state Department of Revenue.

The Langley City Council decided to form the committee to help council members judge grant applicants based on a specific criteria. In the past, council members discussed and debated the requests during council meeting and awarded the funds.

Copies of the proposal can be downloaded from the city’s web site: www.langleywa.org/government/citizen_boards/index.php.

Hard copies can be obtained at City Hall. If you cannot attend the meeting, contact Dominique Emerson at domqingov@gmail.com

Discussion of guidelines will take place at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July at Langley City Hall