Board approves $131,000 for Clearwater Jazz Holiday, members and organizers discuss multi-year funding framework

The Downtown Development Board voted unanimously March 3 to award Clearwater Jazz Holiday (CJH) Foundation up to $131,000 to support the 46th annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday (Oct. 16–19) and a CJH Presents holiday experience on Dec. 6.

Staff presentation: Vicky Shire presented the application and recommended an award not to exceed $131,000—$125,000 for the October festival and $6,000 for the December Station Square Park event—out of a submitted CJH budget of approximately $1.3 million. Staff noted Parks and Recreation estimated city fees for the October event at $140,840, and that if the city’s high-impact event co-sponsorship is approved the total public support for both programs could reach $275,840 when combined with DDB funding.

Public comment and organizer remarks: Steve, representing the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, addressed the board and provided an extended overview: Jazz Holiday's organizers described the festival as a year-round organization that supports music education and outreach, and said the festival drives hotel and restaurant business during Clearwater’s shoulder season. Steve asked that, if funds are awarded, the foundation be allowed flexibility to allocate funds across artist fees, production, marketing and operating costs as needs arise.

Board discussion and multi-year framework idea: Board members praised Jazz Holiday’s long history and economic contribution. Several members, including Councilman Munoz and the Vice Mayor, urged staff to explore a multi-year, interlocal agreement that would provide the foundation with greater budget certainty to enable earlier artist bookings and planning. The city attorney suggested an interlocal agreement among CJH, the city and the DDB could be the appropriate mechanism for a multi-year commitment. Steve said the foundation would welcome a multi-year approach and asked the board to direct staff to pursue that option.

Outcome: The board approved the recommended award (motion: approve agenda item 4.3) by unanimous voice vote. Organizers and board members said staff would begin conversations about a potential multi-year agreement and consider next steps at a future meeting.

Ending: Several board members stressed the cultural and economic value of Jazz Holiday and emphasized the foundation’s education and outreach work; the foundation said it would coordinate with city staff on a path toward a multi-year funding discussion.