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Pottawattamie County approves short-term funding for PACE arts center
Summary
The Pottawattamie County Board approved a two-year funding plan for PACE (the Hoff Center) — $30,000 in the next budget year and $15,000 the following year — after a presentation highlighting economic impact and visitor numbers. Supervisors emphasized budget constraints and outreach to rural communities.
The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors voted to provide short-term financial support to PACE, the Hoff Center for the arts, approving $30,000 in the next budget year and $15,000 the year after that.
Danny Kam, identified as CEO of PACE, told the board the Hoff Center draws regional visitation and supports local jobs. "We directly support 75 jobs," he said, and described what he called "about $2,300,000 of economic impact right here in Council Bluffs in Pottawattamie County." Kam also said recent exhibitions and marketing plans would further increase tourism and visitor spending.
Supervisor Wickman moved the funding measure and Jorgensen seconded the motion. Board members discussed fiscal constraints and the need to justify county support as some city funding had been reduced in recent years. One supervisor said they preferred funding only one year but the motion for a two-year phased support carried.
Supporters argued PACE helps preserve local collections and offers programming that rural museums and residents rely on, while supervisors asked the organization to provide more county-outreach data. Kam said PACE can supply zip-code breakdowns of attendees if requested.
The board approved the allocation by voice vote; the chair recorded the motion as carried. The county will include the approved amounts in its upcoming budget process.
