Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Proposed Ramsey County Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Ordinance - Waive First Reading and Set Public Hearing Date
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Recommendation
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1. Waive the First Reading of the proposed Ramsey County Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Ordinance.
2. Set the Public Hearing date of December 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. or as soon as possible thereafter, in the Council Chambers, third floor of Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 West Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN, to afford the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed ordinance to establish a Ramsey County Arts and Creative Enterprise Advisory Commission.
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Background and Rationale
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On June 25, 2024, Commissioner Frethem led a board workshop that laid the groundwork for a county-wide arts and culture strategy that included a recommendation to establish an Arts and Creative Enterprise Advisory Commission. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners is authorized by Section 2.02(B) of the Ramsey County Charter to establish any county board or commission by ordinance. An Arts and Creative Enterprise Advisory Commission would not discontinue or reassign any function of the Ramsey County Charter and does not alter the obligation of the county to provide services by state or federal law.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners seeks to establish the Ramsey County Arts and Creative Enterprise Advisory Commission. The Commission shall be charged with:
1. Assisting the County Manager and Ramsey County Board of Commissioners in developing and updating a county-wide arts and creative enterprise strategy, which:
a. Evaluates and studies key issues and trends impacting arts and the growth of creative enterprises in Ramsey County and the surrounding region, including but not limited to: economic impact of arts and cultural activity, workforce participation in arts and cultural organizations, impact and effectiveness of marketing promotion, and other investments; and,
b. Makes recommendations to encourage the development of cultural programs and activities, with special emphasis on the development of organizations and artists underrepresented in the arts and cultural economy.
c. Makes recommendations to create opportunities for all residents to have equitable access to the arts and means of cultural expression.
d. Makes recommendations to encourage the development of cultural programs and activities, with special emphasis on the development of organizations, events, and activities that can be promoted and marketed to external partners.
2. Communicating and engaging with artists, arts and culture organizations, the greater community, and county personnel regarding the local arts and cultural landscape, including challenges and opportunities.
3. Identifying resources for date, technical assistance, and funding opportunities to support Ramsey County’s arts and cultural strategic goals.
4. Performing other duties as assigned by the Ramsey County Board or requested by the County Manager related to advancing arts or culture in Ramsey County.
The Ramsey County Arts and Creative Enterprise Advisory Commission should be comprised of at least 14 members representing a wide range of creative enterprise industries. The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter section 5.01.A.1 requires that certain acts of the Ramsey County Board shall be by ordinance, including: “Establish, structure, merge or abolish any county department, office, agenda, board or commissions, except as provided for in this charter.”
The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter section 5.02 states each proposed ordinance shall receive two readings: first, at the time it is presented, and second, at the time of the public hearing as required by law. Both readings may be waived if a copy of the ordinance is supplied to each member of the Ramsey County Board prior to its introduction. In accordance with these requirements, the proposed Ramsey County Arts and Culture Advisory Commission Ordinance was provided to each commissioner prior to its introduction on November 5, 2024. Therefore, the first reading may be waived by duly made motion and majority vote.
The Ramsey County Home Rule Charter section 5.02 states that every proposed ordinance shall hold a public hearing as required by law. A notification of the public hearing, which includes the draft ordinance will be publicized in advance of the public hearing.
This action sets the date of the Public Hearing as December 3, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, in the Council Chambers. Persons who intend to testify are encouraged to sign up online at ramseycounty.us/chiefclerk or contact the Chief Clerk at 651-266-9200 prior to December 3, 2024. If in-person testimony is not feasible, comments may alternatively be provided via the following methods:
• Email: chiefclerk@ramseycounty.us <mailto:chiefclerk@ramseycounty.us>
• Phone 651-266-9200
• Written letter to: Chief Clerk, 15 West Kellogg Blvd, 250 Courthouse, Saint Paul, MN 55102
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Creative enterprises and the arts celebrate the rich diversity that is reflected by our own county and region. Growing Opportunities to expand the arts and creative industries will help to create greater entrepreneurial opportunities for racial and ethnic communities that have been strategically devalued by systemic racism.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners recognizes that the arts and cultural economy are critical to the success of the community and achieving the vision of a vibrant community where all are valued and thrive. The establishment of a new commission provides greater opportunity to partner with community on best to adequately support the creative enterprise economy. Access to arts and cultural education opportunities is necessary for all communities to see themselves as their stories are valued and essential to our shared identity. The board recognizes its role of working with residents to support quality of life. Ramsey County cannot develop a comprehensive and effective strategy for arts and cultural promotion, access, and expansion without industry knowledge, lived experience and partnership.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Creative enterprises are a growing industry across numerous arts spaces in the region. The industry is essential to a vibrant and thriving community. A community’s arts and cultural economy improves the region’s broader economic health. Arts, entertainment, and recreation industries lost the highest percentage of jobs in recent years. There is an opportunity to capitalize on statewide investments in film productions and enhance Ramsey County placemaking initiatives. Establishing the commission now will provide an opportunity to incorporate efforts and subsequent programming into the next biennial budget.
Last Previous Action
On June 25, 2024, Commissioner Frethem led a board workshop (AGENDA PACKET) <https://ramseycountymn.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1205352&GUID=E6309270-831D-4287-8E8B-6E02C376F1AB&Options=info|&Search=> that laid the groundwork for a county-wide arts and culture strategy that included a recommendation to establish a Ramsey County Arts and Creative Enterprise Advisory Commission.
Attachments
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Public Hearing Notice
3. Schedule of Events