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3rd Place Commons reports expanded programming; asks council to consider increased grant support
Summary
3rd Place Commons told council it served nearly 27,000 people in 2025 across 138 events and asked for increased grant funding to sustain Market Bucks, offset rising operating costs and hire part‑time staff for outreach and administration.
Celia Sotto, executive director of 3rd Place Commons, updated council on an expanded program slate and community reach. She reported nearly 27,000 participants in 2025 (up from ~23,000 in 2024), the return of signature events and the 25th anniversary celebration for the commons and the 20th anniversary of the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market.
Sotto emphasized the market's SNAP EBT and Market Bucks programming, noting federal cuts reduced the SNAP match (from $25 to $10 per week federally matched in their example) and increasing local match needs. She requested the council consider an increase in grant funding to help expand Market Bucks, explore hiring part‑time outreach/admin support, and conduct a program audit to collect more participant data.
Council members praised the commons as a regional gathering place and asked about audience geography and participation statistics; Sotto said data exist (ZIP code analysis) and can be provided. She also invited council to upcoming events, including Family Day (Aug. 23) and the farmers market.
