There is hereby established a Cultural Access Program in the City of Tacoma, enabled by RCW 36.160 and approved by Tacoma voters in November 2018 by a vote of 67.2 percent, to be known as “Tacoma Creates.” This chapter may also be referred to as the “Tacoma Creates Code.”
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03)
It is hereby declared, as a matter of public policy, that support for arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations throughout the City is in the public interest, and will serve multiple public purposes including, among others, enhancing and extending the education reach and offerings of cultural organizations; ensuring continued and expanded access to the facilities and programs of organizations by economically and geographically underserved populations; and providing financial stability to organizations to continue and extend the numerous public benefits they provide. Tacoma Creates will invest in cultural organizations of all types and sizes, and Tacoma Creates will ensure that equity and access goals are central in all funding programs. Funds raised from dedicated revenues must be used in alignment with the Municipal Code uses of Tacoma Creates funding. The purpose of Tacoma Creates is to:
A. 
Systemically support existing and nascent efforts of the cultural sector and aligned partners to actively engage the community, reach traditionally underserved populations, increase civic participation, and grow the talent, participation, and creativity across the City.
B. 
Leverage and grow the significant public and private investment that has been committed to the revitalization of Tacoma through its cultural sector; expand investments to reach deeper into the neighborhoods; and expand access for all Tacoma residents to arts, culture, heritage and science events, venues, performances, large-scale City events, exhibits, and neighborhood activities.
C. 
Increase and expand access to arts, culture, heritage, and/or science activities and experiences by creating welcoming places, relevant and diverse programming, and affordable and free programs.
D. 
Support an increase in cultural activities in neighborhoods that reflect diverse cultures, lifestyles and interests, including, but not limited to, community festivals, street fairs, and creative place-making.
E. 
Invest in organizations whose primary purpose is to advance or preserve arts, culture, heritage, and/or science, and who provide public programming in these areas.
F. 
Support a diversity of arts, culture, heritage, and/or science programs that are Tacoma based and occur in Tacoma.
G. 
Prioritize equity and access in programming and funding decisions.
H. 
Invest in youth education opportunities and the partnerships and systems that increase access to these opportunities; and enhance and extend arts, culture, heritage, and science education for young people, especially through the Public School Cultural Access Program (“PSCAP”) and programming for court-involved youth.
I. 
Provide capacity building funding, training, and programs to support to strengthen, sustain and grow the ability of organizations to thrive and meet the needs of the community.
J. 
To increase public awareness and highlight the importance of tribal cultural resources and the history of all the region's native and indigenous peoples.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)
A. 
Cultural organization funding. Minimum of 78 percent of all revenues will equitably support accessible cultural organization programming and sustainability across the City of Tacoma, for the benefit of all residents of Tacoma.
Funding will support access to cultural and educational programming: this may include the development or expansion of free or reduced-price admission programs or scholarship programs; expansion of open public hours at cultural facilities; expansion of programming locations or transportation options; expansion of inclusive programming that considers cultural relevance, language access, and ADA accessibility; strengthening and supporting existing work in any of these areas; and/or other efforts to reduce barriers to accessing cultural opportunities for people across Tacoma. It may also help support capital expenditures and operating expenses related to producing cultural programming, including staffing, insurance, and facilities costs.
At least 50 percent of funds allocated to programming will support opportunities outside of the downtown core but within the boundaries of the City of Tacoma.
B. 
Capacity building. Up to four (4) percent of all revenues will support efforts that build capacity for developing and implementing Tacoma Creates programming.
This may include funding for cultural organizations to improve or expand their internal capacity to deliver equitable public programs; professional development programs for cultural organization staff to enhance skills related to Tacoma Creates programming; providing technical support for cultural organizations in responding to Tacoma Creates application, grant management, or reporting requirements; and other opportunities to support growth and development for the cultural sector.
This may also include funding for shared resources that strengthen the cultural sector, including shared equipment, space, training, systems, services, and convenings.
C. 
Transportation. Up to five (5) percent of all revenues will support transportation options for students enrolled in Tacoma Public Schools, Chief Leschi Schools, and public charter schools within Tacoma city limits to increase their access to Tacoma Creates-supported cultural programming.
D. 
Administration. Up to 13 percent of all revenues will support administrative costs related to program management.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)
“Arts organization”
An "arts organization" has a primary focus on programming across one or more of the following artistic fields: creative place-making, dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, multi-disciplinary arts, music, media arts, theater, and visual arts.
“Capital expenditures”
means acquisition of or construction of improvements to real property including additions to or renovation of existing structures; and new technology, fixtures, and other equipment designed to be in service for at least five years that is reasonably related to or necessary for public programming supported under this chapter.
“Cultural organizations” and/or “cultural sector”
means, collectively, organizations whose primary purpose is to advance and/or preserve arts, culture, heritage, and/or science, and who provide public programming in these areas.
“Culture organization”
A "culture organization" has a primary focus on public programming that seeks to advance or preserve the traditions, language, knowledge, skills, cuisine, or achievements of a particular nation or people with a shared and immutable personal identity trait.
“Downtown core”
means the area within the following boundaries: North border is 6th Avenue; West border is Thea Foss Waterway and East “L” Street; South border is I-5; East border is Tacoma Avenue South.
“Equity”
means minimizing historical, systematic, and institutional disparities and maximizing opportunities for all people. Equity takes into account context: history, current realities, and future outcomes. The purpose of equity in Tacoma Creates programming is to foster greater inclusiveness, increase diversity, and broaden participation in arts, culture, science, and heritage experiences.
“Fiscal sponsorship”
means a formal arrangement in which a 501(c)(3) organization, based in Washington State, provides financial management and other administrative services for an organization that provides public benefit but lacks 501(c)(3) status. Fiscal sponsors will be eligible to receive and manage a funding contract from Tacoma Creates on behalf of the sponsored organization; fees charged by the fiscal sponsor to cover administrative costs may not exceed 10% of any funding contract.
“Heritage organization”
A "heritage organization" has a primary focus on public programming centered on the identification, documentation, exhibition, interpretation, celebration, and/or preservation of a community’s history.
“Panel”
means a group of individuals convened by staff to review applications or nominations using published review criteria, and make recommendations to the Advisory Board.
“Science organization”
A "science organization" has a primary focus on public programming across one or more of the following scientific fields: physical sciences, life sciences, natural sciences, earth and space sciences, engineering, and/or technology.
“Tacoma Creates Administration”
means the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division within the Community and Economic Development Department, or its successor within Tacoma’s administration.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)
A. 
Organizations which fulfill the following eligibility criteria may apply for Tacoma Creates funding programs. Specific eligibility and criteria may vary, depending on the funding program, and may be revised from time to time by the Tacoma Creates Administration, in consultation with the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, based on experience with the program to ensure it continues to fulfill its purpose.
1. 
Eligibility Category A. Organizations meet all five primary eligibility criteria.
a. 
Primary purpose. The organization’s primary purpose must be to advance and/or preserve arts, culture, heritage, and/or science.
b. 
Non-profit status. The organization must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, incorporated under the laws of the state of Washington and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
c. 
Location. The organization’s official business address is in the City of Tacoma.
d. 
Program delivery. The organization must directly provide programming or experiences to the general public in the City of Tacoma.
e. 
Track record. The organization must have a two-year track record of providing programming or experiences to the general public in the City of Tacoma.
2. 
Eligibility Category B. An organization that does not meet the Track Record criteria, but meets all other criteria listed in Category A.
3. 
Eligibility Category C. An organization that does not meet the Non-Profit Status criteria, and may not meet the Track Record criteria, but does meet all other criteria listed in Category A. Organizations in this category may apply with a Fiscal Sponsor.
4. 
Eligibility Category D. An organization that does not meet the Location criteria, but meets all other criteria listed in Category A, and has a business address within Pierce County, and is able to demonstrate that at least 75 percent of its public programming occurs within the City of Tacoma.
5. 
Eligibility Category E. Affiliate Cultural Programs within a larger non-profit. Established and distinct cultural programs that meet the Primary Purpose, Location, and Program Delivery criteria, and are part of a larger non-profit, public-serving organization, may apply if the following additional eligibility criteria are met:
a. 
Independent mission. Have a published mission statement independent of the parent organization.
b. 
Independent board. Have a board or steering committee that guides the program, independent of the parent organization’s board.
c. 
Independent budget. Have a distinct, balanced budget, independent of the parent organization.
d. 
Track record. Five years providing public programming in arts, culture, heritage, and/or science.
e. 
Staff. Have dedicated, paid staff, equal to at least one full-time employee.
f. 
Matching funds. Provide a 1:1 cash match for Tacoma Creates funds.
g. 
The parent organization must:
(1) 
Be a public-serving 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) non-profit organization.
(2) 
Be based in the City of Tacoma.
(3) 
Retain no more than 10 percent of any Tacoma Creates grant to support administrative services.
6. 
Eligibility Category F. Business District Associations and Neighborhood Councils. Business District Associations (Tacoma Municipal Code (“TMC”) Chapter 1.47) and Neighborhood Councils (TMC Chapter 1.45) recognized by the City of Tacoma may apply for funding for neighborhood-based arts, culture, heritage, and/or science programs or events, especially fairs and festivals, but must have a Fiscal Sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) organization in Tacoma that meets the Primary Purpose criteria of advancing or preserving arts, culture, heritage, and/or science.
B. 
Eligibility exclusions. The specific eligibility exclusions noted in RCW 36.160 apply to all eligibility categories:
Funding cannot be distributed to any agency of the state or any of its political subdivisions; any municipal corporation; any organization that raises funds for redistribution to multiple cultural organizations; or any radio or television broadcasting network or station, cable communications system, internet-based communications venture or service, newspaper, or magazine.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)
Tacoma Creates funding programs will be designed to support a variety of types and sizes of organizations and programs that will provide public benefit in Tacoma, with a demonstrated commitment to improving equity and access. Organizational requirements for equity and inclusion, which will be detailed in funding application guidelines and evaluation criteria, will be designed to ensure a rigorous focus on addressing historical inequities in the cultural sector and in Tacoma. Funding programs may be revised from time to time by the Tacoma Creates Administration, in consultation with the Tacoma Creates Advisory Board, based on experience with the program to ensure it continues to fulfill its purpose.
A. 
Funding Category 1. Organizations in any eligibility category may apply for funding that will support public programs in arts, culture, heritage, and/or science, and will address one or more of these primary public benefit areas:
1. 
Increasing public access to cultural programs and/or facilities;
2. 
Providing neighborhood and community-based programs; or
3. 
Providing educational programs for youth.
Funding levels in this category will be determined by the Advisory Board; capital funding will not be included in the maximum for programming.
B. 
Funding Category 2. Organizations in Eligibility Category A may apply for funding in this category if they commit to meeting all three primary public benefit areas:
1. 
Increasing public access to cultural programs and/or facilities;
2. 
Providing neighborhood and community-based programs; and
3. 
Providing educational programs for youth.
Organizations applying in this funding category will be encouraged to demonstrate collaborative efforts and continuous improvement towards sustainability of the organization. Funding levels in this category will be determined by the Advisory Board, but set at a maximum of 15 percent of an organization’s total budget, up to a maximum of $400,000 per year, not including capital funding.
Eligible organizations may apply in either Funding Category 1 or Category 2, but not both.
Eligible organizations may participate in the PSCAP.
Additional funding programs may be developed over the life of the Tacoma Creates program in order to meet emerging needs and opportunities.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)
A. 
An independent panel will be convened to review applications for each round of funding. The application review panel will consist of members of the Advisory Board, in addition to a diverse representation of community members who provide content expertise and community-based knowledge.
B. 
Panel members may be recommended by the Advisory Board, as well as staff.
C. 
A unique group of individuals will be convened for each application review panel.
D. 
Panels will review applications using published review criteria, and submit funding recommendations to the Advisory Board for review and approval.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03)
Pursuant to RCW 36.160.110, Tacoma Creates must designate a percentage of total funds available annually to be reserved for a public school cultural access program established and managed by the City to increase access to cultural activities and programming for public school students resident in the City. Tacoma Creates will budget a minimum of 30 percent of planned expenditures to support PSCAP, inclusive of systems support. PSCAP expenses may be funded through any funding category outlined in Section 1.55.030; PSCAP programming dollars may be allocated only to eligible cultural organizations.
PSCAP programs will be developed for the benefit of Tacoma Public Schools (“TPS”) students. Tacoma Creates will invest in cultural organizations that provide programming, and in the partnerships and systems that increase access to these opportunities.
PSCAP will offer benefits to every public school in TPS, while prioritizing schools based on various indicators of gaps in equity and opportunity, including free and reduced-price meals percentages. PSCAP also covers Chief Leschi Schools and public charter schools within Tacoma city limits.
Tacoma Creates will support a wide range of programming within the PSCAP, as described in the Application Guidelines.
Tacoma Creates will build the capacity of cultural organizations to develop and deliver high quality and inclusive programs that help TPS meet their goals for student success, academically and socially, and in alignment with the Whole Child Initiative. Tacoma Creates will support the development of tools and materials to support alignment with school curricula and state standards.
Tacoma creates will collaborate with TPS on Out of School Time (OST) programming for TPS students, including Summer Late Nights, Beyond the Bell, Club B, and/or any designated successor programs.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)
A. 
Composition of Tacoma Creates Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will consist of 12 volunteer members appointed by City Council. All members will be residents of the City of Tacoma. All members will have interest in and familiarity with public programming in the arts, culture, heritage, and/or science. All members will have an interest in Tacoma Creates goals regarding equity, access, and programs that provide public benefit for residents across Tacoma. The Advisory Board, as a whole, will reflect the diversity of the City; board appointments will take into account racial and ethnic backgrounds, gender, age, and other aspects of personal and professional identity.
B. 
The Advisory Board shall consist of members who represent the following:
1. 
A community member from Council District 1.
2. 
A community member from Council District 2.
3. 
A community member from Council District 3.
4. 
A community member from Council District 4.
5. 
A community member from Council District 5.
6. 
Professional expertise in arts, culture, heritage, science, and/or community engagement.
7. 
Professional expertise in arts, culture, heritage, science, and/or community engagement.
8. 
Professional expertise in arts, culture, heritage, science, and/or community engagement.
9. 
Professional expertise in arts, culture, heritage, science, and/or community engagement.
10. 
Professional expertise in arts, culture, heritage, science, and/or community engagement.
11. 
Professional expertise in Pre-K-12 public education in Tacoma.
12. 
A community member between the ages of 16-24 at the time of appointment. This position shall be named an “Emerging Leader” member.
C. 
Terms of Advisory Board members. All terms shall be for three years, except the Emerging Leader member position, which shall be a one-year appointment. Members may be reappointed for a second term, and the Emerging Leader member may be appointed for multiple terms, but members shall serve no more than six consecutive years. In the event that a position is vacated before the expiration of the term, the position shall be filled by the City Council for the remainder of the unexpired term.
D. 
Authority of the Advisory Board.
1. 
The Advisory Board will be advisory to the Tacoma Creates Administration on funding programs to support public benefit in arts, culture, heritage, and science programs throughout Tacoma.
E. 
Roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will:
1. 
Act in an advisory capacity to the Tacoma Creates Administration on matters related to Tacoma Creates.
2. 
Review and recommend funding guidelines and review criteria, including funding levels.
3. 
Participate in application review panels, along with additional community member representatives.
4. 
Review and approve funding recommendations from review panels to ensure fidelity to review criteria and process.
5. 
Review and provide input on reporting processes to ensure alignment with public benefit goals.
6. 
Review outcomes from funded organizations to ensure compliance with Tacoma Creates mandates and to ensure effective stewardship of Tacoma Creates funds.
7. 
Participate in the preparation of annual reports to the City Council.
8. 
Review and provide input on a variety of Tacoma Creates efforts in addition to grant funding, such as capacity building efforts to support the sector, building collaborative partnerships, and advancing the visibility of the program in the community.
9. 
Serve as outreach ambassadors of Tacoma Creates to arts, culture, heritage, and science organizations, and the general public.
F. 
Meetings of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board shall convene during a regular time and place of meeting, and shall hold a minimum of six regular meetings a year.
G. 
Organization and procedures.
1. 
In consultation with the Tacoma Creates Administration, the Advisory Board may make and alter any rules and regulations governing its organization and procedure not inconsistent with this chapter or any other ordinance of the City.
2. 
A simple majority of appointed, filled positions shall constitute a quorum.
3. 
A majority vote of the quorum is required to pass any motion.
4. 
A Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected by the Advisory Board, from among the Advisory Board members, to serve one-year terms. Chair and Vice-Chair terms are renewable by vote of the Advisory Board.
5. 
The Chair shall preside over all meetings of the Advisory Board. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair is authorized to perform and carry out all of the duties and obligations of the Chair.
6. 
If the Chair relinquishes authority or quits before the Chair’s term ends, the Vice Chair automatically becomes Chair.
7. 
In the event that the Vice Chair relinquishes authority or quits before the Vice Chair’s term ends, a new general election will take place, electing a new Vice Chair for the completion of the term.
8. 
Committee chairs may be appointed by the Chair or elected by the Advisory Board as a whole.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Ord. 29056 Ex. A, 2025-10-07; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)
Tacoma Creates will be administered by the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division. Staff from the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division will be dedicated to implementing Tacoma Creates and supporting the Advisory Board. The Arts & Cultural Vitality Division will adopt an Equity and Inclusion strategy to guide the work of the Office, the Advisory Board, grantmaking, and programming. Staff will keep accurate records of the Advisory Board’s proceedings and transactions, conduct official correspondence, organizing meetings and providing technical support to the Advisory Board to the extent required to administer this chapter. In addition, the Arts & Cultural Vitality Division staff will:
A. 
Implement and administer Tacoma Creates funding programs;
B. 
Develop and implement programming that supports the purposes of Tacoma Creates;
C. 
Act as resource and ombudsman for Tacoma Creates;
D. 
Coordinate the development of funding guidelines and review criteria, for review and approval by the Advisory Board;
E. 
Manage and implement the application review panels;
F. 
Manage contracting according to City procedures;
G. 
Make public presentations on issues related to Tacoma Creates;
H. 
Recommend such policies, rules, and regulations for adoption by the Advisory Board as are deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
I. 
Respond to requests for interpretations of the codes, policies, and procedures related to Tacoma Creates, as defined herein and within related documents adopted by the Advisory Board.
J. 
In addition to the Advisory Board, convene one or more technical work groups including perspectives such as, but not limited to, arts, culture, heritage and science sector representatives from various sized organizations, education, transportation delivery, and equity and inclusion to better inform and provide input on a regular basis on the delivery of Tacoma Creates for the benefit of the public.
K. 
Perform other duties as required to carry out the intent and purpose of Tacoma Creates.
L. 
Present an annual report. The annual report shall include, but not be limited to, a summary of organizations funded, number of community members served, number of events and other such information that helps demonstrate the impact of funding.
M. 
Present on an annual basis a spending plan to City Council. The spending plan shall include, but not be limited to, a detailed accounting of expenditures from the prior year, a plan for expenditures in the next program year, including the use of any one-time funds, and any other information appropriate to demonstrated how funds are expended.
N. 
Six (6) percent of the total per year in § 1.55.030A will be budgeted starting in 2027 to support capital expenditures. Any unallocated portion of the six (6) percent will roll over to the next year, not to exceed 12 percent in any two-year period. All capital expenditures will be funded with fund balance above reserves as available. If no fund balance above reserve funds is available, capital expenditures will be funded at the same rate from Section 1.55.030A.
(Ord. 28626 Ex. A, 2019-12-03; Subst. Ord. 29058 Ex. A, 2025-10-07)