Proposed Operating Budget
The City Manager’s latest budget proposal includes $2 million in American Rescue Plan funds to support arts and cultural programs that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we appreciate the intent, this is simply not enough for a creative industry that is facing an existential crisis.
The City Council will hold a final public hearing on the Proposed Operating Budget on Monday, June 14 , beginning at 6:00pm. You can send your comments to the City Council in advance of the June 14 meeting or attend via Zoom to speak during public comment on Item 3.1.
Mayor’s June Budget Message
This week, Mayor Liccardo released his updated June Budget Message, which included additional funding support for the arts. The Mayor also included language directing City staff to prioritize future ARP funding for cultural grants programs that have been devastated by drastically reduced TOT funds.
The Mayor’s proposals will come before the full City Council at their next meeting on Tuesday, June 15, beginning at 11:00am. You can send your comments to the City Council in advance of the June 15 meeting or attend via Zoom to speak during public comment on Item 3.3.
Raise your voice!
We encourage you to express your support for the Mayor’s Budget Message AND continue to push for additional funding as detailed in this letter from SJAA to the Mayor and Council, which has already been co-signed by more than 60 San José arts leaders and organizations.
On behalf of our entire creative community — including individual artists, nonprofit arts and culture organizations, creative businesses, and arts advocates — we continue to call on Mayor and City Council to use the City’s FY2021-2022 budget to fully invest in our arts and cultural ecosystem.
Please read our letter and add your voice by signing on today!