Partner agencies outline tourism, arts, economic development and social-service highlights ahead of managers proposed budget

Travel Juneau, the Juneau Arts & Borough-funded visitor-marketing partner, told the Assembly Finance Committee on Feb. 5 that its promotions and event support helped increase participation in local races and festivals and produced a suite of videos highlighting Alaska Native artists and the totem-pole walk. "That is a calculation that we got from McDowell Group," Travel Juneaus presenter said when asked to explain a $4.5 million estimated economic impact figure, describing a methodology that includes room nights, facility rentals and catering.

The Juneau Arts & Humanities Council (JAC) reported that it used increased regranting funds last year to supplement arts programming in Juneau schools and to expand individual-artist awards. Kathleen Harper, filling in for the councils executive, said JAC funded 18 organization requests and a larger pool…