An update on the City of Flagstaff's Arts, Culture and Science Survey and upcoming Request for Statement of Qualifications (RSOQ).
 

The City retains a Lead Art Agency to organize events and to distribute funds to the community for Arts, Culture and Sciences.  The Flagstaff Arts Council doing business as Creative Flagstaff is the current Lead Art Agency.  The City's contract with Creative Flagstaff is expiring June 30, 2025 and the City is in the process of issuing a competitive solicitation for a new contract.  The City Council appropriates funding for the Lead Art Agency contract on an annual basis.  A 2% local transaction privilege tax rate on hotels and restaurants (also known as the Bed, Board, and Beverage tax or BBB tax) helps fund Arts, Culture and Sciences, as set forth in the Flagstaff City Code, Chapter 3-06. 

In order to better understand the needs and perceptions of the creative sectors (Arts, Culture and Sciences) in Flagstaff, and to prepare to solicit a partner to be the Lead Arts Agency in the coming years, staff requested Eliza Kretzmann Consulting work with them to implement public information gathering and survey efforts. There were opportunities for in person and online participation by community leadership, the general public, and by those in the creative sectors themselves. The data compiled was used to prepare a report (Executive Summary attached to this Staff Summary) which creates a better understanding of the current strengths and challenges facing these sectors, and provides potential insights into opportunities for enhancing the sectors further. Additionally, the document provides specific insight into the perceptions of the use of BBB Arts and Science Funding. It is being used as a tool for developing the scope of work for the Request for Statement of Qualifications (RSOQ) to identify the City's Lead Arts Agency for the coming years and to guide the investments made through that partnership. That RSOQ is anticipated to be released in January.
 

Over the Spring and Summer of 2024 there was an effort to gather feedback from the public overall, and specifically those leading efforts around arts, culture and science, in order to develop a better understanding of the state of the arts, culture and sciences in our community and how investments in them were performing. Some of the questions delved into were:

• How are recent programs, projects, and offerings serving the community?
• How are the City's investments supporting the sectors?
• What resources are needed for the sectors to thrive?
• How does the community want future funding used?
• What is the vision for Flagstaff's Future in Arts, Culture and Science?

Opportunities to provide feedback were offered through in-person facilitated forums, individual interviews with community and sector leaders, and online surveys. 

A significant amount of information was received and synthesized by Eliza Kretzmann Consulting and is summarized in the attached 13 page Executive Summary. This presentation will discuss the key findings.

The information will also be a source of information used to develop the Scope of Work for the Request for Statement of Qualifications (RSOQ) which is intended for release in January of 2025. That RSOQ will identify the most qualified partner for the City to work with over the next years to continue enhancing the sector and to move towards the community's vision of a vibrant and creative community. 

Key Policy Goals addressed with this process:

• PBB High Performance Governance-Cultivate community communication engagement practices that are clear, consistent, and timely.
• PBB High Performance Governance-Implement and communicate innovative and efficient local government programs, new ideas, and best practices.
• PBB Inclusive & Engaged Community-Proactively foster community representation and civic engagement by enhancing opportunities for public involvement, in line with best practices.
• PBB Inclusive & Engaged Community-Facilitate and foster equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
• PBB Inclusive & Engaged Community-Enhance the City's involvement in community, education, and regional partnerships to strengthen the level of public trust.
• PBB Livable Community- Work with regional partners that provide equitable and inclusive educational and cultural opportunities for Flagstaff residents of all ages.
• Goal CC.4-Design and develop all projects to be contextually sensitive, to enhance a positive image and identity for the region.
• Goal CC.5-Support and promote art, science, and education resources for all to experience.
• Goal LU.3-Continue to enhance the region's unique sense of place within the urban, suburban, and rural context.
• Goal ED.6-Tourism will continue to provide a year-round revenue source for the community, while expanding specialized tourist resources and activities.
• Goal ED.7- Continue to promote and enhance Flagstaff 's unique sense of place as an economic development driver.