At its July 22 meeting the Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners approved the Arapahoe County Cultural Council’s 2025–26 funding recommendations for the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Tier 3 awards.

The funding recommendations, presented by Daniella Villareal, the county’s cultural council liaison, drew from the county’s share of SCFD sales‑tax revenue. Villareal told the board the county’s 2025–26 SCFD share is $2,572,863.94; the council reviewed 93 qualified applications and recommended awards that include 31 general‑operating grants and 62 project‑specific awards.

Why it matters: SCFD is funded by a 0.1% sales tax across seven metro counties and supports cultural, scientific and historical organizations. The council said it recommended awards after a competitive review intended to distribute funds by merit and community benefit; Villareal said in the meeting the council’s volunteer reviewers invested “countless volunteer hours” to evaluate applications.

Board action: Commissioner Warren Gully moved to approve the 2025–26 funding recommendations and Commissioner Campbell seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

Daniella Villareal said the awards will support a broad range of local arts, culture and science organizations across Arapahoe County and thanked the volunteers who reviewed the applications. The board did not change the funding plan during the meeting.

Clarifying details: Villareal said over the past five years the county awarded more than $12 million in Tier 3 funds to over 500 local organizations; for the 2025–26 cycle the council recommended a slate that included 31 general operating support awards and 62 project awards and noted applicants had proposed substantial local matching funds.