Board appoints supervisors to working group as performing arts center project advances

Del Norte County Board of Supervisors · January 14, 2026

Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts

Subscribe
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The board authorized two supervisors to participate in stakeholder working groups for an 800-seat performing arts center proposed on the Del Norte High School campus, appointed Supervisors Starkey and Howard, and authorized staff support; project partners described strong community survey results and regional demand.

The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors authorized two supervisors to participate in stakeholder working groups for a proposed 800-seat performing arts center on the Del Norte High School campus and appointed Supervisors Starkey and Howard.

Michelle Carrillo, speaking for project partners, described the project as an 800-seat venue that has moved into active feasibility planning, including a draft feasibility study addressing governance, revenue, and sustainability. She cited survey results showing strong community support: roughly 87.5% of survey respondents rated the project as “extremely” or “very” important, and 97.2% said they would attend events.

Why it matters: Proponents said the center could serve a regional market (including Curry County), support cultural programming, educational opportunities and serve as an emergency gathering location. Some public commenters warned about the project’s estimated $44 million cost and cautioned the board against local tax exposure.

Outcome: Board approved appointments, authorized staff support for the supervisors, and expressed continued interest in pursuing private and foundation funding while ensuring long-term sustainability for the center.