City Council advances cultural access program funded by new sales tax initiative

A new cultural access program is set to take shape in Gig Harbor, following a recent council meeting where officials directed staff to prepare an ordinance for its establishment. This initiative aims to provide funding for various cultural organizations, including those focused on history, science, STEM, and the arts. The program is designed to support groups that have previously received lodging tax advisory committee (LTAC) grants, ensuring that existing funding is not replaced but rather supplemented.

The cultural access program will be funded by a proposed 1% increase in sales tax, which is subject to voter approval in an upcoming ballot this November. If passed, the tax collection would begin in April 2026, with funds potentially available for distribution by 2027. However, the council must first decide how much of the collected funds will be allocated for startup and administrative costs.

A key aspect of the program is its focus on educational access, particularly for schools with a significant number of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. Organizations seeking funding must be located within city limits and provide school programming, with a portion of the funds earmarked for transportation to facilitate access for students.

As the program moves forward, discussions will continue to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to clarify the relationship between LTAC funding and the new cultural access program. The council's decisions in the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of cultural funding in Gig Harbor.