Parks Department staff told the Cultural, Artistic and Musical Programming Advisory Council that the 2026 county budget includes the same arts allocation as 2025 and that the grants proposed in September were approved and are being mailed.

Staff member Mr. Tarantino told the committee the County Board sent a policy directive asking for a new funding formula and a report back by June 2026. Committee members discussed competing approaches — keeping the current equal distribution, adopting a tiered model based on organizational budget or reach, prioritizing smaller organizations, or limiting the number of applicants so the fund goes farther. Members also raised the possibility of encouraging collaboration among smaller groups to increase reach.

Council member Voss moved — and another member seconded — a motion directing the Parks Department to develop a set of funding-formula scenarios and to create an online feedback mechanism (survey/website) so past and prospective applicants can review and comment on proposed models. The motion specified that staff should develop options for the council’s review and suggested Parks coordinate with the county’s community engagement team and, if appropriate, the Office of Equity.

Chair called the roll on the motion; votes recorded were: Council member Tavar — Aye; Council member Voss — Aye; Council member Lee — Aye (audio unclear); Council member Carter — Aye; Council member Vernon — Aye; Council member Boynes — Aye; Council member Arellano — Aye; Madam chairwoman — Aye. The motion prevailed, recorded as 7 ayes, 0 nos. Staff agreed to provide the 2020 funding formula and to consult with the Office of Equity in drafting scenarios. Members proposed both a public survey and targeted outreach to previous applicants; Parks staff said a report-back timeline aligns with the county board’s directive (report due June 2026) and that scenarios could be brought to the Parks and Culture Committee and to CAMPAC for intersecting feedback.

The committee also discussed logistics for outreach and the possibility of presenting scenarios at a Parks Committee meeting; staff noted Parks Committee usually meets on Tuesday mornings, which may limit participation by working members. The council asked staff to share any survey link with members so they may distribute it to their networks.