FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1183

C 240 L 17

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Authorizing specified local governments to designate a portion of their territory as a creative district subject to certification by the Washington state arts commission.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives McBride, Chapman, Haler, Ryu, Robinson, McDonald, Stambaugh, Frame, Senn, Riccelli, Dolan and Hudgins).

House Committee on Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Trade & Economic Development

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

The Washington State Arts Commission (Commission) was established to promote the conservation and development of the state's artistic resources that contribute to the quality of life and general welfare of the state's citizens. The Commission is composed of 19 members appointed by the Governor and four members of the Legislature.

The Commission has broad authority to sponsor and administer activities or programs related to the growth and development of the arts and humanities and assist any private or public agency or person in such pursuits. The Commission administers the state's public arts collection and the Washington State Poet Laureate program.

Summary:

The Commission may create a program to certify a creative district that includes an area designated by a city or county or a federally recognized tribe containing a hub of cultural facilities, creative industries, or arts-related businesses. The creative district must be:

• contiguous;

• distinguished by artistic and cultural resources involving economic and cultural development; and

• contributing to the community arts and culture.

The Commission may require additional eligibility criteria at its discretion. A creative district also may include vacant property suitable for similar development in proximity to the artistic activities.

The city, county, or tribe seeking certification of a creative district must submit an application for review by the Commission. The Commission may approve or reject the application and include terms and conditions upon approval. The Commission may revoke certification for a city, county, or tribe's failure to comply with the conditions of approval.

The Commission may designate a coordinator for the creative district certification program to review review applications, develop policies and standards, and oversee compliance. The coordinator also identifies public and private resources and incentives to support and enhance development within the districts. The Commission may offer incentives to a certified creative district to encourage business, facilitate connections to state economic development assistance, and provide technical assistance, among other resources.

The authorization for the creative district certification program and coordinator position are subject to specific appropriations by the Legislature.

Votes on Final Passage: