To: City of Buffalo Officials

We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the imposition of an "amusement fee" tax on music venues and small businesses in Buffalo. This unfair tax will stifle the city's vibrant music scene, harm local businesses, and negatively impact the community.

We believe:

- The amusement fee tax is an excessive burden on small businesses and music venues, threatening their survival.
- The tax will lead to reduced entertainment options, harming Buffalo's cultural landscape.
- The revenue generated by this tax does not justify the damage it will cause to the local economy and entire community.

We demand:

-The City of Buffalo repeal the amusement fee tax.
- Explore alternative revenue sources that do not harm small businesses and the arts.
- Support and protect Buffalo's music & arts scene and creative community.

I would like to emphasize the profound impact that art and music have on our local economy and community, and why it is crucial to avoid imposing high fees on events that could jeopardize this vibrant sector.

1. **Attracting Tourism**: Art and music festivals, galleries, and live performances draw tourists to our area. High fees could deter organizers from hosting events, resulting in a loss of potentially visitors and the economic boost they bring to local businesses.

2. **Creating Jobs**: The arts sector is a vital source of employment. Imposing high fees can lead to event cancellations, causing job losses not only for artists but also for event organizers, venue staff, and those in marketing and production. This would exacerbate unemployment in our community.

3. **Increasing Property Values**: A thriving arts scene enhances property values. If high fees drive away events, the vibrancy of our neighborhoods could diminish, leading to decreased property values and a less attractive community.

4. **Supporting Local Businesses**: Art and music events drive foot traffic to local shops, cafes, and restaurants. High costs could lead to fewer events, reducing customer flow and negatively impacting these businesses that depend on community gatherings.

5. **Fostering Innovation**: The creative industries promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Burdening artists and organizers with high fees stifles creativity and can deter new projects and initiatives that contribute to economic growth.

6. **Cultural Investment**: High fees may lead to fewer community development projects that enhance public spaces. This could result in a less appealing environment for residents and visitors alike.

7. **Enhancing Community Identity**: A robust arts scene contributes to a unique community identity. High fees threaten this identity by forcing small venues to close, diminishing the cultural richness that attracts residents and businesses.

8. **Encouraging Collaboration**: Art and music initiatives foster collaboration across sectors. High fees create barriers that can hinder partnerships, leading to missed opportunities for community development.

9. **Generating Revenue**: Events centered around art and music generate revenue through ticket sales and merchandise. High fees could price events out of reach for many, resulting in fewer events and decreased revenue for both artists and local venues.

10. **Improving Mental Health and Well-being**: Engagement with art and music enhances community well-being. If high fees lead to fewer events, the community's social cohesion and overall quality of life could be significantly impacted.

In conclusion, while it is essential to consider revenue for the city, imposing high fees on art and music events can have detrimental effects on our community. Instead, supporting and nurturing these sectors will foster a thriving cultural landscape, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our residents. I urge you to consider the long-term benefits of a vibrant arts community and the potential harm of high fees on this vital part of our society.

Sincerely,

- Jes Tarbox Wantuch