Commissioners asked the Desi Drama Association to clarify how an expansion of programming into the Madrid Cultural Center would affect its service to Ames residents, saying organizations that draw audiences outside the city must show how programming specifically serves Ames.
"They had alluded to that they were gonna maybe also bridge to that facility as well," a commissioner said while reviewing annual grant final reports. Staff replied that funds must be appropriated to activities that directly serve Ames residents. "If they can demonstrate that, that would be helpful," a staff member said, adding that organizations with a reach beyond Ames must identify how their programming provides something for Ames residents and explain the audience breakdown.
Commissioners did not take formal action on the matter at the meeting; staff said they would review the point when the organization applies for funding in the next cycle.
Discussion vs. decision: the exchange was discussion only — staff said the commission would examine the issue at application time and did not set any new conditions or funding rules during the meeting.