Estacada Arts Commission approves 2025 budget, prioritizes volunteer recruitment and Arts at the Creek

The Estacada Arts Commission voted to approve its 2025 operating budget and adopted several line-item adjustments intended to support Arts at the Creek, local-artist promotion and volunteer recruitment.

Commissioners approved the budget after discussion about how the city will show funds going forward and confirmation that a CCC grant received in January 2025 will be spent in fiscal year 2026.

The vote followed an extended discussion in which commissioners and staff prioritized volunteer outreach, event logistics and modest increases to program allocations so the commission can better support local creators and run summer events.

Budget and why it matters The commission increased the Arts at the Creek allocation to $7,000 and added a combined line item for “EAC programs, city events and local artist promotion” at $1,500. Poetry in Public Places was increased to $800 and a chalk/walk-related line was set at $400. Commissioners noted the CCC grant timing means some grant proceeds are technically in the next fiscal year; the group agreed to reflect that in reporting and in the annual budget request.

Commission staff explained the city is moving to a new…