DC arts commission director urges preservation of 5% sales-tax funding, outlines staffing and strategic-plan steps

Director Aaron Myers told the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities executive committee on Feb. 18 that agency staffing, strategic planning and a stable funding model are priorities as the commission prepares its next phase of work.

Myers, the commissions director, said a strong candidate has been identified for the registrar position previously held by Ron Humberton and that staff are preparing an offer. He said the agency will begin interviews to fill a community outreach role that Myers described as central to "equitable access and community awareness."

"We have identified a strong candidate for our registrar position," Myers said, and added that outreach hiring is proceeding "with urgency to ensure continuity." The director also asked commissioners to schedule individual meetings with strategic-plan consultants to inform a draft the agency expects to finalize by July 13.

Myers framed recent performance and operational changes as evidence of momentum: the agency awards more than 1,100 grants annually, stewards a collection of more than 3,000 public artworks, and is relaunching tools such as an interactive public-art map and an Art Bank eMuseum.

"This funding is not a handout. It is an investment," Myers said, warning commissioners and residents that the commissions funding source, originally established at 5% of the sales tax, should be defended with the mayors office and Council to preserve program stability. He urged commissioners to remind elected officials of the fundings role in supporting economic recovery and cultural vitality.

Myers also summarized outcomes from the recent performance oversight hearing, citing increased applicant participation, expanded technical assistance and stronger support for first-time grant applicants. He described ongoing operational modernization to improve grant systems and internal processes so the commission can be "more responsive and accountable."

Chair Reggie Van Lee opened and closed the meeting, reading a land acknowledgment that names the ancestral lands of the Nacotchtank and Piscataway people and then presiding over routine governance matters. The committee adopted the agenda by consent and moved into an executive session later in the evening; there were no formal roll-call votes reported on agenda items during the public session.

The commission plans further public-facing engagement, including hosting executive directors from other state arts agencies later this year and sharing materials with the community. Myers said data collection and recent polling will help the commission provide commissioners with evidence to communicate the artss economic and community impact.

The executive committee recessed to a closed executive session and later reconvened briefly to confirm attendance. Chair Van Lee announced the next commission meeting will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

The public portion of the meeting began at 5:34 p.m. and adjourned at 6:10 p.m.