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Arts council faces cuts; staff warns program reductions could trim concerts and festivals
Summary
The Arts Council presented a proposed FY27 operating budget of about $1.275M (a ~5.8% cut) and outlined possible reductions to events and grants including Buskerfest and some public programming; staff noted strong private fundraising ($1.4M public–private partnership) and warned cuts could jeopardize grant awards tied to service breadth.
Felicia Baca, arts council director, told the council the division's proposed FY27 budget is approximately $1.275 million, a reduction of about 5.8% from FY26, and outlined criteria for program reductions that would preserve high-impact, revenue-generating and diverse programming to maintain grant eligibility.
Baca and staff highlighted recent fundraising and program wins — a $1.4 million public–private partnership, 13 capital public art projects and a Twilight Concert Series that the division estimates generated more than $1.6 million in downtown economic activity. "The Twilight concert series used to be produced in-house; we now contract production and pay a $180,000 contract to get the same value for residents," Baca said, noting the series attracts large audiences and supports local artists.
Staff identified several programs under consideration for reduction, including Buskerfest and other smaller public events, and said they would prioritize programs that protect grant funding and preserve access. Council members asked for detail on which events would be affected and on economic-impact metrics; arts staff said they would return with more specifics.
