Tacoma’s art tax raised $3 million since approved by voters. Here’s what that’s paid for
More than a year has passed since Tacoma voters approved Tacoma Creates, an art tax that increased sales tax by one-tenth of 1 percent through 2025.
The tax, meant to increase access to arts, culture, heritage and science experiences throughout the city, raised the city’s sales tax from 10.1 percent to 10.2 percent, or one cent for every $10 spent. It’s estimated to generate about $6 million per year.
Tacoma was the first city in the state to pass an art tax, with more than 67 percent approval.
So far, the city has collected more than $3 million from taxpayers since the tax was enacted in April 2019. The department received the first batch of funding in July.
Out of the $3.1 million banked so far, about $2.1 million has been spent or is dedicated to be spent.
What has it accomplished?
New hires
City staff have called 2019 a “ramp-up” year.
They’re identifying what barriers exist when it comes to accessing art and culture experiences in the city.
“We want to see where we’re starting from,” said Lisa Jaret, Tacoma Creates program manager.
That requires acquiring the right people to make the process run smoothly.
So far, three new staff members have been hired in the Office of Arts and Cultural Vitality to help carry out the Tacoma Creates effort, totaling $178,000 in annual salaries.
They have identified eligibility standards for organizations to receive Tacoma Creates funding. Organizations fall into different categories depending on purpose, track record, nonprofit status and location.
Applications are open for those interested in serving on the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, which consists of 12 members.
Tacoma Creates pilot programs
Tacoma Creates took on three pilot programs in 2019.
The first expands the the ability for students to take arts and culture-related classes outside regular school hours, called Expanded Learning Opportunities. Students are provided transportation home from the classes and snacks when they get there.
As of this fall, local organizations were providing more than 30 classes across 17 schools with the help of Tacoma Creates. Among them: a ukulele class at Stafford Elementary School and a ballet folklorico class at Roosevelt Elementary School, both taught by Tacoma Arts Live staff.
The second pilot program provides $100,000 each to neighborhoods in East Tacoma and South Tacoma. The neighborhoods have lower equity opportunities compared to other parts of Tacoma, according to the city’s equity map and the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Communities of Focus.
Residents in the 98404 and 98409 area codes are in the process of deciding how they want to spend the money, which could range from an art festival to a concert.
The third program allocated $540,000 to 54 organizations in Tacoma to prepare them for the competitive funding process, including insurance and contract requirements.
Tacoma Creates also chipped in $100,000 with Pierce Transit to help connect all Tacoma Public Schools high school students with free ORCA cards.
Budget breakdown for 2020
In 2020, more on-the-ground arts and culture opportunities will be available, staff said.
“We plan to release guidelines for the very first Tacoma Creates grants to support cultural sector programming in January, which will result in dispersing $3-4 (million) over the course of 2020,” Jaret said.
In 2020, eligible organizations can:
▪ Request up to 15 percent (no more than $400,000) for programming work revolving around diversity, equity and inclusion, or
▪ Request up to $50,000 for single or multiple programs in the same areas.
The city anticipates collecting $6.29 million in 2020, allocated to specific categories:
▪ 52 percent on neighborhood programs
▪ 26 percent on enhancing program accessibility
▪ 8 percent on transportation to Tacoma Creates programming
▪ 8 percent on administration
▪ 6 percent capacity building and technical assistance
This story was originally published December 30, 2019 at 6:00 AM.
