HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-036-05/20/2014-DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL'S COMMITMENT TO AND SUPPORT FORPARTICIPATION BY THE CITY IN THE CREATIVE RESOLUTION 2014-036
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
DECLARING THE CITY COUNCIL'S COMMITMENT TO AND SUPPORT FOR
PARTICIPATION BY THE CITY IN THE CREATIVE DISTRICT
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the City Council has adopted a Strategic Plan goal to become a dynamic and
uniquely creative center and destination for arts and culture in Northern Colorado; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the State of Colorado merged the Council on the Arts and the Art in
Public program into the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, with
the goals to create (1) a strong brand identity in the State, (2) a Top 10 reputation, and (3) create
significant and sustained investment in the creative sector; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, the Colorado General Assembly adopted HB11-1031 which created
the infrastructure to designate non-taxing "Creative Districts" in communities, neighborhoods,
and contiguous geographic areas, launching Colorado Creative Industries as the administrative
agency to facilitate certification of Creative Districts; and
WHEREAS, Colorado Creative Industries provides leadership and assistance to local
communities to develop Creative Districts, including business incentives, industry specific
marketing tools, access to State economic development grants,_and technical assistance to
develop equitable local programs to foster arts and culture in certified Creative Districts; and
WHEREAS, the Creative District Certification Program has been established for the
purposes of:
• attracting artists and creative entrepreneurs to a community,, infusing new energy and
innovation, which in turn will enhance the economic and civic capital of the community;
• creating hubs of economic activity, thereby enhancing the area as an appealing place to
live, visit and conduct business, as well as create new economic activity;
• attracting visitors;
• revitalizing and beautifying communities;
• providing a focal point for celebrating and strengthening a community's unique identity;
• showcasing cultural and artistic organizations, events and amenities;
• contributing to the development of healthy communities; and
• improving the quality of life of the state's residents; and
WHEREAS, in February 2014, the Cultural Services Department filed a letter of interest
with Colorado Creative Industries to begin the Creative District certification process for a
Downtown Fort Collins Creative District; and
WHEREAS, Colorado Creative Industries has invited the City to file a formal application
to become a Creative District candidate by May 23, 2014, which application requires
endorsement by resolution of the City Council; and
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WHEREAS, acceptance of the City's candidacy will begin a two-year certification
process, through which Colorado Creative Industries will evaluate local business and citizen
support for designation of a Creative District in the City, including the City's ability to develop
matching funds from private sources and sustainable community participation and visitorship;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that certification of a Creative District would
promote and advance the City's interests and goals related to fostering local creative sector
business development and desires that the City apply to become a Creative District candidate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby embraces the goals and purposes of the
Colorado Creative District Certification Program as described above, expresses its
commitment to and support for the City's participation in the Program, and hereby finds that
participation and support for a Downtown Fort Collins Creative District furthers the interests
and purposes of the City.
Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to apply for certification of a
Creative District in Downtown Fort Collins, in an area bordered generally on the north by the
Cache la Poudre River, and on the south by Prospect Road, and centered on the MAX bus rapid
transit line, and is hereby authorized to take such actions as he deems appropriate and reasonably
necessary to advance the City's application for a Creative District certification.
Section 3. That the City Manager is hereby directed to commit that City staff from
both Cultural Services and other parts of the City organization will be assigned to participate on
the steering.committee for the proposed Creative District.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this
20th day of May, A.D. 2014.
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