Agenda Date: 04/08/2025
Subject:
Title
Joint Study Session with Arts & Culture Board (ACB)
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, ACB Chair |
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Denise Weed, ACB Vice-Chair |
PURPOSE:
The board will present an overview of the first-ever Arts & Culture Community Strategic Plan, including proposed 2025 action items, and receive direction from council for implementation.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Vibrant Community with a Rich Culture
DISCUSSION:
In June 2024, the Arts & Culture Board engaged Keen Independent Research to create the first ever Arts & Culture Community Strategic Plan, a key component of the board’s Strategic Plan 2.0 which council adopted in October 2023. Over the next 6 months, Keen conducted a rigorous community engagement process, communicating with over 350 residents. The completed plan was delivered to staff on December 15, 2024, and approved unanimously by ACB on February 13, 2025. ACB will review the themes, action items, and goals contained in the plan, and seek direction from council to begin implementation.
BACKGROUND:
In November 2019, 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
November 19, 2019 - Council meeting, creation of Arts & Culture Commission
April 13, 2021 - Council meeting, adopt Arts & Culture Commission strategic plan
July 8, 2021 - Arts & Culture Commission meeting, approve lodgers tax revenue distribution formula
April 12, 2022 -- Study Session, Review Goal 5: Arts, Culture, and Tourism
August 17, 2022 - Council meeting, submit to the registered voters of the City of Littleton a ballot measure seeking voter approval of a 5% lodgers tax to fund arts, culture, and tourism
October 4, 2022 - Council meeting, a resolution in support of the lodgers tax
November 8, 2022 - Election results, citizens supported 5% lodgers tax for arts, culture, tourism
December 13, 2022 - Study Session, provide feedback/direction to A&CC on formula
January 12, 2023 - Arts & Culture Commission meeting, approve revised formula
March 9, 2023 - Arts & Culture Commission meeting, approve policy to administer formula
April 11, 2023 - Council study session, final review of formula, direct staff to write a resolution to implement lodgers tax revenue distribution policy
May 2, 2023 - Council meeting, a resolution creating the lodgers tax revenue distribution formula
August 10, 2023 - Arts & Culture Commission meeting, approve first draft of Strategic Plan 2.0
September 14, 2023 - Arts & Culture Commission meeting, approve final draft of Strategic Plan 2.0
October 10, 2023 - Joint study session with council, present 2024 grants recommended from the lodgers tax and Strategic Plan 2.0 for approval by council.
April 1, 2024 - Arts & Culture Commission renamed Arts & Culture Board by council action.
October 8, 2024 - Joint meeting with council to review the activity of the past year, provide a status update on the arts and culture master plan, and look forward to issues for study in 2025.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The Arts & Culture Board does not have a budget for operational expenses. If council directs ACB to implement the Arts & Culture Community Strategic Plan, the board may request the appropriation of funds during the city’s regular budget process.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that council approve the Arts & Culture Community Strategic Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may direct the Arts & Culture Board to focus on other priorities.