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D.C. arts agency says large capital grants remain on hold as FY27 budget advances
Summary
Agency leaders told commissioners that large capital awards approved in March (about $3.45 million) remain on hold while staff identify $2.6 million in savings tied to underperforming dedicated tax revenue; agency officials described FY27 budget steps and encouraged grantee advocacy as the council moves toward final votes.
Agency leadership told the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities that previously approved large capital project awards remain paused while the city budget process resolves a temporary funding shortfall.
Executive Director Aaron Myers said the commission approved large capital project grants in March but staff were asked to identify $2.6 million in savings after the agency faced underperforming dedicated tax revenues. "We are still in a holding pattern until the final budget is approved, but we're cautiously optimistic," Myers said, thanking commissioners, staff and advocacy groups for support.
Myers briefed commissioners on upcoming events and partnerships as part of a wider director's report, but the meeting devoted substantial time to grants and budget status. Grants Committee chair Gretchen Wharton told the commission that the FY27 grant cycle is under way — with programs such as general operating support and project/festival grants open or recently closed — and that more than 99% of FY26 purchase orders have been issued.
At the finance update, Brandon Saunders said the agency's available budget fell from roughly $9.2 million to $8.38 million, a change of about $870,000; the agency's available percentage declined from 20.2% to 18.3%. Saunders provided a line-item review and said routine large transactions in Q3 and Q4 typically change month-to-month percentages.
Wharton and staff urged grantees to engage with council and mayoral offices as the local budget act moves through second reading and final votes later this month and in July. The commission said it will provide ongoing budget updates to grantees and the sector as the city council and administration finalize FY27 appropriations.
