Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Use of District-Discretionary Measure K Funds - Supervisorial District 4
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a one-time grant of district-discretionary Measure K funds, not to exceed $30,000, to Casa Circulo Cultural, acting as the fiscal agent for the Center of Creativity, for the delivery of high-quality, accessible arts programming serving residents across San Mateo County, and authorizing the County Executive, or designee, to execute the grant agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years.
The Board of Supervisors (Board) held study sessions on Measure K expenditures and approved funds for the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 budget cycle, divided equally among the five supervisorial districts, for one-time district-discretionary needs and projects. District 4 has submitted a request to use their district-discretionary Measure K funds as shown below and described in the Project Summary section of this memorandum:
|
District/Project |
Amount |
|
District 4 (Supervisor Lisa Gauthier) - Casa Circulo Cultural acting as the fiscal agent for the Center for Creativity, for the delivery of high-quality accessible arts programming serving residents across San Mateo County. |
$30,000 |
This item is consistent with the criteria for district-discretionary Measure K funds approved by the Board in December 2018. District 4 indicates that this organization is either a public agency operating within the County, or a nonprofit organization registered and in good standing with the California Attorney General. District 4 indicates that the sponsoring Board member, member’s family, and member’s supervisorial staff do not serve as an officer, director, or play a policy role for the grantee organization.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
This is a request to authorize a grant to Casa Circulo Cultural, acting as the fical agent for the Center for Creativity, and resulting grant agreement, in an amount not to exceed $30,000, to support delivery of high-quality, accessible arts programming and enable the development of a centralized creative hub serving residents across the region. The County Executive’s Office will manage and administer the resulting agreement.
District-discretionary Measure K funding for this organization has previously been provided as listed below:
• On November 1, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved district-discretionary Measure K funding, not to exceed $20,000, to Casa Circulo Cultural for the Center for Creativity to support a feasibility study for the potential creation of a permanent arts center.
• On June 29, 2021, the Board of Supervisors approved district-discretionary Measure K funding, not to exceed $40,000, to Casa Circulo Cultural to support improvements to its new facility in North Fair Oaks (installing new floors, renovating the bathroom for ADA compliance and adding a second bathroom, and installing dressing rooms, a kitchen, and storage space).
• On September 6, 2016, the Board of Supervisors approved district-discretionary Measure K funding, not to exceed $46,000, to Casa Circulo Cultural to create a safer, more efficient use of program space.
The Center for Creativity is a grassroots, community-led initiative based in downtown Redwood City, working to establish a permanent visual and performing arts center for San Mateo County. The idea originated with ARTS RWC, a 2010 roundtable of local artists, advocates, and civic leaders dedicated to building a vibrant and sustainable arts community. In 2022, the Center for Creativity formed a steering committee to conduct feasibility research, develop plans, and mobilize public support.
The Center for Creativity serves as a cultural anchor in Redwood City’s downtown corridor at Main and Broadway, revitalizing the area by connecting artists and residents across geographies and generations. Its programming fosters youth engagement and creative skill development while offering seniors meaningful opportunities for connection and lifelong learning. This intergenerational exchange enriches the community and embodies the County’s values of equity and belonging.
This district-discretionary grant will be used to fund the following project or services: This Measure K grant will help support essential operational costs, including $24,000 for the lease of the downtown space and $6,000 for utilities such as electricity and internet to maintain a safe and connected environment.
Through these combined efforts, the Center for Creativity will continue to serve as a cultural anchor in Redwood City, fostering fairness, inclusion, and intergenerational engagement through the arts.
This district-discretionary grant will enable the organization to meet the following currently unmet need or service gap within the County: to address a gap in affordable, accessible cultural and creative spaces that support community wellness, youth development, and creative workforce pathways, particularly for residents who otherwise lack access to arts programming.
District 4 has informed the grantee organization that this grant is one-time only, and that the grantee organization will need to find other sources of funding going forward.
The project or services funded by this district-discretionary grant will be implemented or provided during the 12-month period following execution of the grant agreement and are anticipated to be completed within that same 12-month period.
Total Measure K Request: Not to Exceed $30,000
The release of funds will be contingent on the execution of an agreement providing for the County’s confirmation of the expenditure of funds for the purposes stated herein. The County will disburse the funds to the following organization for the purposes described above:
Veronica Escamez
Casa Circulo Cultural (fiscal agent for Center for Creativity)
3090 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 362-3291
veronica@casacirculocultural.org <mailto:veronica@casacirculocultural.org>
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Description |
Target |
|
Number of free or low-cost public programs (classes, exhibits, workshops, performances) hosted annually |
35 community events per year |
|
Number of attendants |
1,000 attendees |
|
Number of youth and senior participants in intergenerational arts programs |
100 youth and 100 seniors |
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Center for Creativity strengthens San Mateo County’s cultural and community landscape by providing a welcoming, intergenerational space where residents can experience, create, and connect through the arts. Through collaborative programming, exhibitions, performances, and workshops, Center for Creativity engages youth, adults, and seniors in meaningful creative expression while fostering cross-cultural understanding and belonging. Its focus on accessibility ensures that cost, language, or experience are never barriers to participation. This initiative directly aligns with the County’s commitment to community investment by expanding access to creative, educational, and economic opportunities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient Measure K funds for this specific FY 2025-26 Measure K request. These funds are budgeted in the Non-Departmental Services FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.