Title
Inspire Olympia Cultural Access Program Improvements and Updates Discussion
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Community Livability and Public Safety Committee recommended forwarding the Inspire Olympia Cultural Access Program improvements and updates to the full City Council for discussion at a Study Session
City Manager Recommendation:
Discuss the Inspire Olympia Cultural Access Program improvements and updates.
Report Issue:
Whether to discuss the Inspire Olympia Cultural Access Program improvements and updates.
Staff Contact:
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Development Department, 360.753.8591
Presenter(s):
Jennica Machado, Economic Development Director, Community Development Department
Molly Wilmoth, Cultural Access in Public Schools Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
The Cultural Access Advisory Board (CAAB) is established in Municipal Code (OMC 2.100.700) to:
“Advise the City Council concerning the formulation of processes, procedures, and criteria for carrying out the goals of the Cultural Access Program,” “To review and recommend funding guidelines for cultural access programming consistent with state law” and “To review and recommend funding levels for grant applicants.”
On June 16, 2026, City Council approved CAAB funding recommendations for the Inspire Olympia grant cycle beginning July 2026. During that discussion, the City Council requested additional information regarding the program's funding process and referred the topic to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee (CLPS) for further consideration.
In July and August 2026, the CAAB held board retreats to consider Council feedback and identify potential improvements to the program's grant process. CAAB presented its initial recommendations to the CLPS Committee on August 26, 2026.
The CLPS Committee supported several of the CAAB recommendations and requested additional research and options on other elements of the program. St...
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