Title
2026 - 2028 Inspire Olympia Program
Recommended Action
For information and discussion only. No action requested.
Report Issue:
Discussion of possible changes to program funding goals, criteria, and funding framework for grants to cultural organizations for the 2026 -28 funding cycle.
Staff Contact:
Marygrace Goddu, Inspire Olympia Program Manager, Community Planning & Economic Development, 360.480.0923
Presenter(s):
Ms. Goddu
Background and Analysis:
As established in municipal code (OMC 2.100.700 Article XI, attached) the Cultural Access Advisory Board advises City Council concerning the formulation of processes, procedures and criteria for carrying out the goals of the Cultural Access Program and for ensuring that program funding is invested based on the priorities and commitments made to voters.
The purpose of this discussion is to introduce and consider possible adjustments to the program’s grant funding structure in advance of the 2026 - 2028 funding cycle. This work will begin with a review of the Inspire Olympia’s Funding Goals adopted in 2023. The Board will also examine scenarios for adjustments to the current grant funding structure, based on projected revenues and program expenditures as impacted by growth in the numbers of funded organizations at differing funding levels, and other program costs. The program Funding Goals and data from the 2024-25 funding cycle currently underway will help to guide and inform this consideration.
Climate Analysis:
This discussion has no direct climate implications.
Equity Analysis:
Advancing equity and expanding access to cultural experiences in Olympia are core Inspire Olympia funding goals, central to this discussion of possible program adjustments. Each potential program adjustment will be evaluated based on who is impacted, how, and to what extent a proposed change supports these funding goals.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
No specific neighborhood is impacted. The discussion is of community wide interest.
Options:
Discussion only at this time.
Financial Impact:
Discussion outcome will support near-term and long-term planning for use of the Cultural Access Fund (CAF), which is derived from an assessment of one-tenth of one percent of Olympia’s sales and use tax. The fund is projected to receive $3.1 million in 2025, and average $3.2 million in future years and the majority (80% or more) of the funding is expended through contracts for cultural services. This tax revenue collection was approved by voters in 2022 and is authorized for a period of seven years. It will require re-approval by City Council or citizen initiative in 2029 for the Inspire Olympia program to continue beyond 2030.
Attachments:
OMC 2.100.700 Article XI
Inspire Olympia Funding Goals
2025 Planning Calendar