Title
Inspire Olympia Cultural Access Program Implementation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss proposed steps and milestone schedule for implementation of Inspire Olympia, the voter-approved cultural access program.
Report
Issue:
Whether to discuss proposed steps and milestone schedule for implementation of Inspire Olympia, the voter-approved cultural access program.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
Marygrace Goddu, Historic Preservation Officer, Community Planning & Development
Background and Analysis:
On April 26, 2022, Olympia voters approved Proposition One, increasing the sales and use tax to fund a cultural access program for Olympia, becoming only the second jurisdiction in Washington State to do so under legislation passed in 2015. Olympia is poised to set an example for other small cities across the state, demonstrating the economic and social benefits of public investment in the cultural sector.
The program’s public benefits as stated in City Council Resolution M-2280 dated 12-14-21 include:
1. Ensuring greater access to arts, science, culture, and heritage organizations for public school students, through programs in and out of classrooms, before and after school programs, and during the summer, and opportunities for free visits to cultural attractions, leading to better engagement in the classroom, improved educational attainment, support for social and emotional growth, and higher graduation rates;
2. creating new resources to support or promote cultural activities, events, or projects reflecting our diverse lifestyles, interests and cultures, including learning about the Native American heritage of Olympia and its environs;
3. expanding access and opportunities for the general public, including students, seniors, and economically underserved populations or those on a fixed income, to attend and experience cultural events, performances, festivals, exhibits, and related programs and activities;
4. boosting the City’s economy through enhanced cultural community, job creation, and increased tourism; and
5. ensuring that cultural organizations are financially healthy and able to provide public programs and services within their facilities, in neighborhoods and communities, and in public schools.
In order to assure these outcomes and meet the obligations of the enabling legislation (see Chapter 36.160 RCW attached), a number of actions are required for program implementation. Among them:
• Establish a representative advisory commission.
• Define “discernible public benefit” as an eligibility and performance requirement for recipient organizations.
• Establish a public schools cultural access program, and designate a percentage of funding to be set aside for this purpose (in addition to that set aside for transportation).
• Create procedures, guidelines and criteria for the award of funds to eligible organizations.
The enabling legislation provides authority for implementing jurisdictions to contract with the state arts commission for consulting, management, or other administrative services (RCW 36.160.070).
The enabling legislation provides authority for implementing jurisdictions to use program funds to cover start-up costs with repayment to the fund (RCW 36.160.040 and RCW 36.160.110). This authority was referenced in the December 2021 City Council Resolution.
The city does not currently have staff resources to support program implementation. Additional city staff positions and a contract for initial support from the State Arts Commission are anticipated.
If no action is taken to prepare for program implementation until January 1, 2023, it is unlikely that funding could be awarded to cultural organizations before 2024.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Cultural Access is of general community interest.
Options:
1. Discuss proposed steps and milestone schedule for implementation of Inspire Olympia, the voter-approved cultural access program.
2. Do not discuss proposed steps and milestone schedule for implementation of Inspire Olympia, the voter-approved cultural access program.
3. Discuss proposed steps and milestone schedule for implementation of Inspire Olympia, the voter-approved cultural access program at another time.
Financial Impact:
Financial implications are currently being evaluated and any necessary funding authorizations will be brought to the City Council for consideration.
Attachments:
Resolution M-2280
Timeline
Revised Code of Washington Chapter 36.160