Title
Approval of Resolution Acknowledging the Notice of Recertification of the Olympia Creative District and Acceptance of a Grant from the Washington State Arts Commission in Support of District Development
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution acknowledging the Notice of Recertification of the Olympia Creative District and acceptance of a grant In support of District Development.
Report Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution acknowledging the Notice of Recertification of the Olympia Creative District and acceptance of a grant In support of District Development.
Staff Contact:
Mike Reid, Economic Development, Office of Community Vitality, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
Olympia has received recertification as a Creative District by the State of Washington following an application process that concluded in late May with notice of approval and the award of a $7500 grant from the Washington State Arts Commission. The Creative District certification is effective for the 5-year period between 6/25/24 and 6/25/29.
The associated grant funding is intended to support the development and implementation of the Creative District including a 5-year strategic plan for the Olympia Creative District.
Our 5-year Creative District Plan, submitted for this recertification, was built from the Creative District Strategic Plan completed in early 2023 and the ongoing work of the ARCH Team in support of the arts and the creative economy of downtown Olympia.
A summary of the plan’s key goals is attached, with a detailed description of key 2024-2025 goals.
Climate Analysis:
Our Creative District is an integral part of our downtown; elements that help to create a vibrant downtown also help contribute to climate action. Focusing growth and activity into dense neighborhood areas helps reduce dependance on cars, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity Analysis:
The stated mission of the Creative District is: We engage local artists and businesses in the development of a thriving creative economy and community that is antiracist and anti-bigoted.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
While the Creative District is in the downtown neighborhood, the benefits of a vibrant and successful Creative District extend to the entire community.
Financial Impact:
The result of this decision is a benefit of $7500 that will be used to support Creative District marketing efforts.
Options:
1. Pass the resolution and accept the grant funding.
2. Do not pass the resolution and forego the grant funding.
3. Take other action.
Attachments:
Resolution
Grant Contract
Summary of 5-Year Goals