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2004-54

A RESOLUTION

SUPPORTING THE RENEWAL OF THE SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT FUNDING

WHEREAS, The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) is a nationally acclaimed method to fund cultural organizations, and;

WHEREAS, The SCFD provides funding from a one-tenth of a cent sales tax in the seven-county Denver metro area to more than 300 small and large metropolitan arts and science organizations and does so with minimal regulation and overhead; and

WHEREAS, SCFD-funded organizations provide entertainment, education and enlightment for millions of metro residents. Cultural organizations provide tours and cultural experiences for 2 million school children annually. More than 1 million people a year enroll in free and paid cultural classes and activities. Nearly 1 million underserved audiences such as children below the poverty level, seniors and diverse ethnic audiences experienced cultural programs in 2001. In addition, regional organizations offer area residents more than 100 free days a year; and

WHEREAS, SFCD has funded the Lakewood Arts on the Commons rotating sculpture program and exhibits, art and history culture throughout the City of Lakewood; and

WHEREAS, SCFD has funded the Metro Area History Fair teaching over 1600 students through a living history demonstration and has funded the Museum of Nature and Science, the Denver Zoo, the Denver Art Museum, Denver Center for Performing Arts, and other history, art, and cultural programs.

WHEREAS, The SCFD has been approved by the legislature and endorsed by voters in two region-wide elections in 1988 and 1994. The SCFD must be reauthorized by voters on or before 2006; and

WHEREAS, The SCFD's modest one-tenth of a cent sales tax equals only one cent on a $10 purchase and in 2004 voters will be asked to extend, not increase the tax for an additional 12 years.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Lakewood, Colorado, that:

SECTION ONE. The City council hereby supports the reauthorization of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, urges legislative and voter support for renewal of the District and the continued benefits the SCFD provides.

INTRODUCED, READ AND ADOPTED by a vote of ___ for and ___ against at a regular meeting of the City Council on May 10, 2004, at 7 o'clock p.m. at the Lakewood Civic Center, 480 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado.

Stephen A. Burkholder, Mayor

ATTEST:
Margy Greer, City Clerk