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DC arts agency warns of $410 million shortfall as OIG audit and staffing reviews continue
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Summary
Diane Myers, senior director of the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities, told commissioners on April 21 that the mayor—s office had notified agencies of a roughly $410,000,000 shortfall tied to Congress not yet passing the District of Columbia Local Funds Act 2025.
Diane Myers, senior director of the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities, told commissioners on April 21 that the mayor—s office had notified agencies of a roughly $410,000,000 shortfall tied to Congress not yet passing the Senate-approved District of Columbia Local Funds Act 2025.
Myers said the mayor "issued an order to the city administrator's office to develop a plan a plan to address this shortfall" and that CEH is working with the city administrator to determine how the agency will be affected.
The shortfall matters because CEH funds grants, public programs and administrative operations, all of which may be adjusted while citywide budget reconciliation continues. Myers told the commission she and staff are preparing cuts and contingency plans but are "still hopeful that congress will do its part in restoring DC budgets to its previously agreed upon numbers."
Myers also reported on several internal and oversight matters that bear on operations. She said CEH received a final Office of Inspector General (OIG) report covering fiscal years 2021 through 2024 and that the agency has responded to findings with new or updated standard operating procedures addressing application completeness, oversight activities and conflict-of-interest training. "This audit demonstrated the course corrections implemented after my arrival," Myers said.
On human-resources work, Myers said managers and staff are undergoing grade and telework posture reviews. She announced a new procurement analyst, Alexis Dillard, and said the agency is conducting interviews in three batches to align grades and job duties with current responsibilities. "Our goal is to wait until they complete all the staff we've been talking to," Myers said, adding that the agency will share recommendations once the review finishes and funding availability is known.
Myers said staff are also working with the Office of the General Counsel to understand the provenance of a "50 mile radius policy" used in the Art Bank program and were reassured CEH remains within DC government rules. She told commissioners that program changes and some purchases have been frozen by the mayoral guidance and that CEH is preparing a prioritized submission for the budget office.
Next steps: Myers said CEH will continue working with the city administrator and will communicate updates to staff and commissioners once the agency has clearer guidance or congressional action. The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
