Arts and Culture Board to brief City Council April 8 on strategic plan as lodgers tax revenue lags

The Littleton Arts and Culture Board previewed its community strategic plan and the message it will deliver to City Council at an April 8 study session, and discussed implementation priorities including a percent‑for‑public‑art program, a feasibility study for arts venues and placemaking work tied to downtown redevelopment.

Why it matters: Board leaders said the plan is intended to be catalytic — a roadmap for public and private partners — and to guide decisions about grants, public art and capital investments. Council direction could affect whether the city requests additional funds during the next budget cycle or pursues ballot measures for dedicated revenues.

Board and staff overview: Tim and other board leaders said the board approved the consultant KEEN’s arts and culture community strategic plan last month and will present the plan’s five themes — activate existing resources; cultivate arts and culture for all; foster the arts ecosystem; develop governance and policies; and plan for Littleton’s future — to council. Anna and Jenny (city staff) reviewed 2025 tactical items already underway: mural grant applications opened Feb. 28 and close in April; the State of the Arts event is scheduled April 2 at 5:30 p.m.; and an ongoing inventory of local arts programming will be maintained.

Funding constraints and revenue projections: Staff told the board that finance projects lodgers tax revenue for fiscal year 2025 at about $850,000 in gross receipts; roughly $750,000 would be available for awarding grant recommendations under current allocations. Board members emphasized that need exceeds available funds: the board received many more applications than available grant dollars in prior cycles (presentation cited roughly 32 applications in year one and about 65 in year two as examples used internally) and said that continuing shortfalls required prioritization.

Percent for public art and other revenue ideas: Board leaders said council has previously discussed a percent‑for‑public‑art program and asked the board to return with more detail; the board plans to pursue a public‑facing conversation this year focused on public projects rather than private‑development requirements. Other revenue options discussed included a possible seat tax or ballot measures and increased philanthropic outreach; staff noted that short‑term rentals were included in the original ballot language for the lodgers tax and that council could revisit related code language.

Venue feasibility and placemaking: The plan lists a feasibility study to explore renovating or building arts and cultural spaces among longer‑term goals; board members said community feedback showed broad interest in a performing arts venue but no consensus on scope, location or audiences. The board also highlighted placemaking and downtown integration as multi‑year priorities tied to Project Downtown and the Littleton Downtown Development Authority’s master plan.

Outreach and next steps: The board encouraged members to attend the April 8 study session and said staff will bring implementation requests through the city’s normal budget process if council asks for next steps. Board members also urged the public to participate in related South Suburban Parks and Recreation elections and stakeholders to monitor project‑level plans for downtown and Littleton Boulevard.

Ending note: The board will present the plan to council on April 8 and expects further direction; if council asks staff to proceed with specific funded actions, those requests will be submitted through the city budget process for council consideration.