The Cowlitz County Public Facilities District plans and oversees the Cowlitz County Event Center and the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. These facilities support economic activity, tourism, and community use. They are funded through dedicated state revenue mechanisms and are governed by an appointed board of directors.
Without the PFD, the designated portion of the state sales tax rebate would be retained by the State of Washington.
The Cowlitz County PFD was formed in 1999 to help build and operate major community facilities. The PFD is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners. Day to day administrative support is provided through contracted services and Cowlitz County Event Center staff.
Many large public facilities cannot be supported through rental or ticket revenue alone. The PFD receives revenue through a state sales tax rebate authorized for operations and public facility development. The PFD receives 0.033% for the Cowlitz County Event Center and 0.20% for the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. In 2006, the voters of Cowlitz County approved a 1% lodging tax that also supports the Cowlitz County Event Center. These funds are restricted to PFD projects and are not drawn from county general fund resources.
Dick Stumph
Term Exp. 02/28/2028
dstumph@cowlitzpfd.gov
Brian Magnuson
Term Exp. 02/27/2030
bmagnuson@cowlitzpfd.gov
Joan Landau
Term Exp. 2/27/2030
jlandau@cowlitzpfd.gov
Paul Helenberg
Term Exp. 02/28/2030
Kirc Roland
Term Exp. 02/27/2028
kroland@cowlitzpfd.gov
Claire Hauge
Term Exp. 02/28/2028
chauge@cowlitzpfd.gov
Ryan Sullivan
Term Exp. 2/28/2030
Kurt Sacha
Administrator
admin@cowlitzpfd.gov
Bob Gregory
Project Manager
bgregory@cowlitzpfd.gov
Bronson Potter
Attorney
bpotter@cowlitzpfd.gov
Shelby Hixson
hixsons@cowlitzwa.gov
Melinda Payne
paynem@cowlitzwa.gov
Ashley Lachney
lachneya@cowlitzwa.gov
Maile Walker
walkerm@cowlitzwa.gov
Kimberly Bowcutt
bowcuttk@cowlitzwa.gov
The Cowlitz County Public Facilities District meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM.
Special meetings are scheduled as needed and are publicly noticed in accordance with state requirements.
All meetings of the Public Facilities District are open to the public, except when state law permits closed executive sessions. Board members may participate either in person or by phone, as long as the public can hear the discussion.