BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 189
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Date of Hearing: April 29, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
AB
189 (Bloom) - As Introduced January 27, 2015
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|Policy |Arts, Entertainment, Sports, |Vote:|6 - 0 |
|Committee: |Tourism, and Internet Media | | |
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| |Local Government | |9 - 0 |
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the California Arts Council (CAC) to
establish criteria and guidelines for, and to certify,
"state-designated cultural districts", as defined. Specifically,
this bill:
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1)Establishes a competitive application system whereby a
community may apply for certification as a state-designative
cultural district.
2)Provides that a certification is for five years, after which a
district may renew its certification every three years.
3)Requires the CAC to provide technical assistance and
promotional support for state-designated cultural districts.
4)Defines a "state-designated cultural district" as a certified
geographical area with a concentration of cultural facilities,
creative enterprises, or arts venues that does any of the
following:
a) Attracts artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural
enterprises;
b) Encourages economic development and supports
entrepreneurship in the creative community;
c) Encourages the preservation and reuse of historic
buildings and other artistic and culturally significant
structures;
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d) Fosters local cultural development; and,
e) Provides a focal point for celebrating and strengthening
the unique cultural identity of the community.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Any costs for the CAC to establish the criteria and guidelines
and provide certifications and technical assistance will be
minor and absorbable. The council's budget for 2014-15 is $12
million, of which about one-half is from the General Fund.
COMMENTS:
Purpose. According to the author, "Studies have shown that
creative entities and business often cluster into certain areas,
likely due to the benefits from exchanging and sharing
resources, entrepreneurial dialogue, and economic activity.
These clusters are often well-loved parts
of cities and can be found throughout the state?AB 189 would
allow the California Arts Council to designate these kinds of
areas as official California Cultural Districts. Establishing
state-designated cultural districts will help to draw more
tourism and commerce to these creative clusters?Arts and
cultural districts in other states have spurred new business,
increased community interaction, attracted more tourism, and
increased government revenue based on the economic growth."
Analysis Prepared by:Chuck Nicol / APPR. / (916)
319-2081
AB 189
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