Resolution 1416RESOLUTION NO. 1416
A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENTION
OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS TO SUBMIT AN
APPLICATION TO THE WASHINGTON STATE
ARTS COMMISSION FOR CREATIVE DISTRICT
DESIGNATION.
WHEREAS, arts, culture and other creative endeavors have been a mainstay of the
Edmonds community since incorporation in 1890; and
WHEREAS, the Edmonds City government has embraced arts and culture in its programs,
activities, and corresponding budget priorities for decades, most recently enshrined in the
Community Cultural Plan, first adopted in 1995 and updated in 2014, which is incorporated in the
City's Comprehensive Plan and serves as a blueprint to position cultural resources as key
community and economic building-blocks; and
WHEREAS, as an outgrowth of the Community Cultural Plan and in support of the
significant relationship between the Edmonds Center for the Arts and the Downtown Edmonds
commercial district, the City adopted the Fourth Avenue Cultural Corridor concept plan, which
will lead to the development of a greatly enhanced pedestrian and vehicle connection, as well as
supportive land uses, between these two main Downtown Edmonds anchors; and
WHEREAS, in 2017 the City conducted a study of the economic impact of the arts and
culture sector in Edmonds, key findings of which included:
• The arts and culture cluster has a significant positive impact on Edmonds,
generating an estimated $50 million a year and 440 full-time equivalent positions
to the regional economy
• Residents and visitors attending arts and culture events in Edmonds spend
more money than just the cost of their admission. Leisure activities, such as
dining and shopping, are a consistent and connected part of their participation
in arts and culture activities; and
WHEREAS, while arts and culture organizations are the foundation of the creative sector
in Edmonds, a substantial component is also comprised of a wide range of business, nonprofits,
and educational and other entities engaged in creative -sector activities; and
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WHEREAS, the State of Washington created the new program of Creative District
designations during the 2017 Legislation Session, codified at RCW 43.46.100-115, intended to
apply to a "geographical, mixed -use area of a community in which a high concentration of
cultural facilities, creative businesses, or arts -related businesses serve as a collective anchor of
public attraction"; and
WHEREAS, major arts and culture venues have been developed in greater Downtown
Edmonds, including the Edmonds Center for the Arts, Cascadia Art Museum, Edmonds
Historical Museum, Frances Anderson Center, and the Wade James Theater, with new
developments pending, such as the Graphite Arts Center and other new commercial projects on
Main Street; and
WHEREAS, the greater Downtown Edmonds area, running roughly south to north from
the Edmonds Marsh to the Edmonds Center for the Arts, and west to east from the Edmonds
Waterfront and Port District to the Wade James Theater is intended to comprise the Edmonds
Creative District (see Attachment A for map); and
WHEREAS, Creative District designation would both recognize the Edmonds
community's significant achievements in and commitments to the arts, cultural and creative
sector, as well as provide the platform and impetus for enhancements, growth and further
development of the creative sector and its accompanying benefits to the local economy and
quality of life.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF EDMONDSTHAT:
Section 1. The City of Edmonds intends to apply to the Washington State Arts Commission for
official Creative District designation of the area of Downtown Edmonds delineated on the attached
map (Attachment A).
Section 2. If Creative District designation is approved by the State, the City of Edmonds intends
to follow through with implementation of programs, activities and enhancements within the
District over a five-year period focused in three principal areas:
• Strengthen and expand creative identity of the Edmonds Creative District
• Leverage and connect creative experiences in the Edmonds Creative District
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■ Retain and attract creative businesses and nonprofits, and the resulting jobs, within the
Edmonds Creative District
Section 3. The City Council intends to continue to fund the staff positions and related
appropriations to ensure diligent execution of the programs, activities and enhancements intended
to further the Edmonds Creative District over the next five years.
Section 4. The City Council requests that the necessary materials be prepared to submit the City's
official application for Creative District designation by the Washington State Arts Commission.
RESOLVED this 7ch day of August, 2018,
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED:
GLERK_� ASSEY
APPROVED:
MAY R, DAVID O. EARLING
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City of Edmonds
Washington
ATTACHMENT A
EDMONDS PROPOSED CREATIVE DISTRICT
Edmonds Proposed Creative District
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