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 cu...
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