Olympia plans ballot proposition for tax increase to fund arts, science, cultural, and heritage programs

At its final city council meeting in 2021, the Olympia City Council approved a motion to hold a special election of a ballot proposition for a 0.1 sales and use tax increase to fund arts, science, cultural, and heritage programs.

On Tue., Dec. 14, Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby explained that the state legislature has given local jurisdictions the ability to raise the sales tax by 0.1 percent. The sales tax increase would help to create a dedicated revenue to provide access to arts, culture, and sciences programs. “This is so crucial for a school district and it’s a unique opportunity,” the mayor said.

Selby noted that if the measure is approved, Olympia would be one of the first cities within the state to implement a culture access program. In addition, the approval of the arts and culture access program would allow the establishment of the Olympia Cultural Access Program Advisory Board. The board will consist of nine members and will be responsible for making funding recommendations for arts, science, cultural, and heritage programs to the City Council.

Several community members also shared their support for the ballot proposition during the public hearing. Thurston Community Media CEO Deborah Vinsel shared, “The performing arts shaped my life,” adding, “I studied dance for 16 years. I studied music for 10. I was fortunate that my family was able to provide those experiences for me while I was growing up. It is not a stretch to say that those experiences led to my career.” She added, “I have seen how cultural arts and heritage…have shaped the lives of so many people I know, and have shaped the communities I have the privilege to live in.”

Olympia School Board vice president Justin McKaughan said he believed that the proposal would provide students equitable access to arts and culture learning. “We have artists in residency, after-school programs, and opportunities for students to learn from professionals that schools do not have the budget,” McKaughn said.

He continued by sharing his personal story, “As a student, I received free lunch, living in poverty for 16 years, I know firsthand that access to the arts is difficult for families that don’t have the resources to pay.”

Olympia Harbor Days festival Executive Director Carol Riley added, “Thank you all for your service and interest in creating funding access to help non-profits expand public programs, especially for underserved communities.”

The city will host a special election on April 26, 2022, for the ballot proposition.