THE ISSUE 

In Nov. 2023, Boulder voters overwhelmingly passed the historic 2A arts initiative with 75% approval. This sales tax revenue was intended to provide transformative support for our community's arts, culture and heritage sector. 

With an estimated $3.6 million in annual proceeds, the 2A Ballot language, approved by the voters, explicitly included “direct and grant funding for arts and culture nonprofits, professional artists, arts education, venues and workspaces, public art, and multicultural programs.” 

Despite this clear mandate, the City’s 2025 budget allocates 41% of these funds—approximately $1.3 million—to city salaries, administrative fees, outside consultants, and reserves. Another 8% is set aside for 'future use', which leaves only 51% of the 2A fund for it's designated use. This year, only $1.8 million of the arts budget is designated for grants, public art, and community programs.

The arts community and our supporters believe that this allocation does not align with voter intent. We urge the City Council to review and reallocate funds, ahead of the 2025 spring budget adjustment,  moving all internal overhead expenditures back to the general fund. 

TAKE ACTION

Sign this petition to tell our elected officials that public funds should serve their intended purpose. The 2A arts fund was created to uplift Boulder’s artists and cultural community—not to expand city administration. We call on City Council to correct this misallocation and ensure that 2A funds are used as voters intended. 

Please sign and share this petition widely. Thank you for your support!

For more details on how the 2A arts money is being spent, please read the Q&A below:

Q: The city is claiming a constrained budget. Is this accurate? 

A: The City of Boulder’s 2025 budget is $589 million, making it one of the highest per capita city budgets in the country, for a city of our size. 

Q: How does our city arts budget compare with other cities?

A: The $3.4 million dedicated arts fund constitutes less than .5% of the total city budget. The actual 2025 arts budget is just $1.8 million - closer to .25% of the budget - amounting to $17 per capita.

The average arts spend in similar sized cities is $43 per capita, more than three times what Boulder is currently allocating. 

Q: What is the expected tax proceeds, and how was it allocated by Boulder city staff? 

A: In October 2024, the City estimated 2A tax proceeds at $3.5 million and allocated the funds as follows:

$1.8 million (51%) → Direct support for grants, public art, and community programs
$1.3 million (41%) → City staff salaries, administrative costs, reserves, and consultants
$332,000 (8%) → Withheld for future use, pending a ‘Cultural Planning Process’

Q: Is this legal?

A:  We are looking into it. 

Q: Did Council approve this?

A: City Council approved the overall $589 million budget but did not directly vote on this specific arts allocation. This is why we are urging them to review and correct the budget now—ahead of the first budget adjustment of 2025.

Q: What is a reasonable overhead allocation for a designated tax fund like 2A? 

A: Best practices for public arts funding suggest a much lower overhead cost. For example, the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), which administers arts and culture funding across seven Colorado counties, operates with just a 1.5% overhead. By contrast, Boulder’s 2A fund is currently burdened with 41% in administrative costs.

Q: Why should the city support the arts? Aren't most arts organizations supported by wealthy patrons?  

A: Arts and culture benefit the entire community—economically, educationally, and socially. Unlike some larger cities, Boulder lacks a strong tradition of private arts philanthropy, making public investment essential.

Local arts organizations face the same economic pressures as other sectors—rising costs, inflation, and a competitive nonprofit funding environment. Without proper funding, they cannot provide the arts education, performances, and cultural programs that benefit all residents.

Q: How can I support our local arts community?

A: Sign and share this petition to demand accountability in 2A funding. You do not need to be a city of Boulder resident to sign this petition. Support local arts organizations directly—attend events, donate, and advocate for arts funding.
Stay informed and engaged. The arts are a vital part of Boulder’s identity—let’s ensure they receive the support they need.