Creating Access for our Community
with Cultural Access
What could our community achieve in 7 years if we had the funding? With the passage of House Bill 1575, the possibilities are huge.
Cultural Access Programs can pave the way for our county to become part of Washington State’s thriving creative economy. Cultural Access Programs can stabilize current creative sectors, including technology, music and performing arts, visual arts, and many other professional occupations. Cultural Access also creates a funding program to keep these sectors going and growing for the next 7 years—including capital expenditures and acquisitions!
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What is the Cultural Access Tax?
The Cultural Access Tax is a proposed one tenth of one percent (0.1%) sales tax increase designed to support and enrich our community's cultural landscape. This tax is estimated to generate close to $2 million annually; half of which will be paid by visitors and tourists. For the average local household, the cost would be approximately $20-40 per year—a small investment for a substantial return.
Benefits to Our Community
The goal of the initiative is to provide access for Clallam County residents to local artistic, cultural, historical, and scientific learning experiences. The funds generated by the Cultural Access Program will be distributed to Clallam County non-profit organizations, enabling them to:
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Expand educational programs and outreach initiatives.
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Enhance the quality and variety of cultural events and exhibitions.
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Support local artists, scientists, and historians.
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Increase accessibility to cultural experiences for all residents.​​​
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Build or enhance programs for schools.
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Why are theses nonprofit organizations important?
Arts, culture, and heritage organizations provide education, entertainment, enrichment, inspiration, a sense of community, and commerce.
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These organizations fuel our economy. Arts and culture sectors are responsible for 10.8% of Washington States's GDP accounting for $72.8 Billion and 187,186 jobs.
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Arts and Culture account heavily for Clallam County's $1 Billion tourism industry. The 2024 Tourism Master Plan identified three out of four of the highest ranked destination strength variables for Clallam County include arts and culture.
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Arts and Culture increase quality of life and decrease crime rates. Arts and Culture have been credited for improving grades, increasing graduation rates, creating greater civic participation, neighborhood cohesion, and pride.
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​Where does funding come from for these organizations?
These organizations benefit our entire community, but are financed by a small handful of philanthropic neighbors. Most are supported by donors, sponsors, and grants as well as earned income. Little to no funding comes from city, county, or state reserves outside of LTAC dollars targeted at attracting tourism. The Cultural Access tax will be the first government financing of these community pillars directed towards accessibility for Clallam County residents.
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Learn More
To find out more about the Cultural Access Tax and its potential benefits, please visit the following resources:
Together, we can ensure a vibrant, thriving cultural community in Clallam County. Your participation and support are crucial to the success of the Cultural Access Fund program. Let’s work together to make this vision a reality.