Title
Approval of a Resolution Approving Plans for Implementation of the Voter-Approved Cultural Access Program Known as Inspire Olympia, Consistent with the Statutory
Requirements of RCW 36.160.110
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommends approval of a Resolution approving plans for implementation of the voter-approved Cultural Access Program known as Inspire Olympia, consistent with the statutory requirements of RCW 36.160.110 as recommended by the Cultural Access Advisory Board.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution approving plans for Implementation of the voter-approved Cultural Access Program known as Inspire Olympia, consistent with the statutory requirements of RCW 36.160.110.
Report Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution approving plans for Implementation of the voter-approved Cultural Access Program known as Inspire Olympia, consistent with the statutory requirements of RCW 36.160.110.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Inspire Olympia Program Manager, Community Planning & Development, 360.480.0923
Presenter(s):
Marygrace Goddu, Inspire Olympia Program Manager, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
The Cultural Access Advisory Board was established to advise the City Council concerning the formulation of processes, procedures, and criteria for carrying out the goals of Inspire Olympia, the Cultural Access Program.
Since their appointment in May of this year the Board has developed critical elements of Inspire Olympia’s program policy and structure including funding guidelines, specifically called for in municipal code (OMC 2.100.710). These guidelines consist of program mission and funding goals, a proposed funding allocation structure, and a proposed timeline for program implementation.
The Board’s recommendations for program implementation also include essential components of an application review process, including specific elements and evaluation criteria regarding organizational requirements for equity and access. Additional equity considerations are discussed below under Equity Analysis.
These recommendations were presented to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee on July 26. The Committee unanimously agreed to accept the Board’s plan for implementation of the Inspire Olympia program and recommends final approval by the City Council.
Climate Analysis:
The Inspire Olympia program has no predicted major impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The program will be evaluated yearly to look for areas of impact and improvement.
Equity Analysis:
Inspire Olympia will help to grow the cultural sector of Olympia, and data will be needed to analyze whether the anticipated growth is also working to promote equity. Program application and reporting requirements have been designed to set baselines and to collect specific demographic data. These will be used to identify gaps, align funding goals, and set requirements to encourage organizations to diversify their staff, boards, partnerships, and audiences.
Flexibility is built into the program structure to be responsive to the needs of applicants, anticipating that Olympia’s cultural organizations will be embracing this work from many different starting points. Efforts to advance equity in and through local cultural organizations will be ongoing and dynamic. Annual program reviews will seek to identify what groups are not represented among Inspire Olympia applicants, enabling the program to target audiences, build relationships, and encourage participation in the funding opportunities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Inspire Olympia will fund arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations’ ongoing and new public programming located in neighborhoods throughout Olympia. Inspire Olympia seeks to support more opportunities for the public to engage in these Cultural Sector events across the city.
Financial Impact:
Implementation of the Inspire Olympia program is funded by one-tenth of one percent of Olympia’s sales tax, effective January 1, 2023.
Options:
1. Approve the resolution and accept the Cultural Access Advisory Board’s plan for Move to approve a Resolution approving plans for Implementation of the voter-approved Cultural Access Program known as Inspire Olympia, consistent with the statutory requirements of RCW 36.160.110.
2. Approve a Resolution with modifications to the Board’s recommendations. Depending on the modifications, this action could impact the program implementation timeline.
3. Do not approve the Resolution. This action will delay the program implementation timeline.
Attachments:
Resolution
Funding Guidelines and Timeline