Agenda Date: 08/26/2025
Subject:
Title
Joint study session of the City Council and the Arts & Culture Board: Lodgers Tax funding recommendations and Percent for Public Arts Discussion
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Tim Nimz, Museum Director |
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Becky Kosma Deputy Museum Director |
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Presentations: |
JD McCrumb, Arts and Culture Board Chair |
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Denise Weed, Arts and Culture Board Vice-Chair |
PURPOSE:
A joint study session of the City Council and the Arts & Culture Board (ACB) for the purpose of reviewing the ACB funding recommendations for 2026 grants from 2025 lodgers tax revenue; and presenting the ACB revised plan for a Percent for Public Art program for consideration by City Council.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with a Rich Culture
DISCUSSION:
Lodgers Tax Grant Recommendations
On June 12 (Tiers 1 and 4) and July 11 (Tiers 2 and 3), the Arts & Culture Board reviewed and voted to forward $672,500 in funding recommendations from the lodgers tax revenue to City Council for final approval and inclusion in the 2026 budget. In each of the first three funding cycles, lodgers tax actual revenue has been significantly lower than projections.
Percent For Public Art
Following up on previous study sessions in December 2022, October 2024, and April 2025, ACB has revised the draft policy for a Percent for Public Art for consideration by City Council. Development of a Percent for Public Art program is a key action item in the ACB Strategic Plan 2.0, adopted by City Council in October 2023, and in the Arts & Culture Community Strategic Plan, adopted by City Council in May 2025.
BACKGROUND:
In November 2019, the City Council created the Arts & Culture Commission, now the Arts & Culture Board, with the charge to encourage and support the growth and expansion of culture and arts throughout the community. Through strategic planning, the Board develops policies and makes recommendations to fund current and future arts and culture needs.
Prior Actions or Discussions
May 20, 2025 - Council meeting, adopted Arts & Culture Community Strategic Plan
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The Arts & Culture Board recommends that $672,500 in lodgers tax revenue be appropriated to support arts, culture, tourism, and visitor marketing in the 2026 budget.
A Percent for Public Art program as described in the draft policy would have generated an estimated $114,900 in total revenue for applicable public capital projects during the 4-year period from 2021 to 2024.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Council approve the Arts & Culture Board’s funding recommendations.
ACB and staff request direction from City Council on whether to proceed with the development of a Percent for Public Art program.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council may direct the Arts & Culture Board to focus on other priorities.