Council studies options for an arts commission, asks staff to draft code and funding pathways

The City Council reviewed staff findings Sept. 15 on options to establish an arts body for University Place and asked staff to return with draft code language and funding mechanisms for council consideration. Staff presented two primary models — a traditional council‑appointed arts commission and an independent advisory nonprofit — and discussed membership, roles and potential authorities.

Jack Eklund, Public Works director, and Matt Kayser, city attorney, briefed council on the tradeoffs. A traditional commission would mirror existing advisory commissions: council appointments, staff support, and clearer council direction and oversight. An independent nonprofit advisory body would require less city staff support and can pursue separate fundraising but offers less council control and weaker long‑term assurance of continuity. Staff noted the city previously had memoranda of agreement with an independent group (Up For Art) but that the historical MOAs had not been fully followed and it would be sensible to start fresh with a clear agreement.

Council discussion covered membership and scope. Members expressed interest in a hybrid approach: a council‑appointed commission with the ability to partner formally with community nonprofit groups for program delivery and fundraising. Council members favored a commission sized near the city’s typical model (7 members) but were open to slightly larger rosters (up to 11) if needed; most supported including a seat for someone with active experience in the arts and making a youth seat a priority to encourage school engagement, with a shorter term for youth members. Members also asked staff to outline legal options for public‑private partnerships and sponsor/donation mechanisms so the commission could leverage outside money for projects (temporary and permanent public art) without undue risk to city finances.

Staff said the next steps will include drafting proposed code language for a commission model (membership criteria; whether a working artist and education representative should be “should” or “required” positions), estimating the minimal staff support and anticipated operating costs, and providing model agreements for partnering with a nonprofit like Up For Art for fundraising and event delivery. Council asked staff to return in a subsequent study session with a recommended model, draft code language and options for funding mechanisms and governance.