HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6c. Grant agreement with San Luis Obispo Museum of Art Item 6c
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1005
For Agenda of: 2/17/2026
Placement: Public Hearing
Estimated Time: 30 minutes
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Robert Hill, Sustainability & Natural Resources Official
SUBJECT: GRANT AGREEMENT WITH SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo finding that a Grant Agreement with the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is of
public benefit in accordance with California Government Code Section 53083 and
approving the Grant Agreement” (Attachment A) to:
1. Find that a Grant Agreement serves the public interest of the City of San Luis
Obispo by advancing arts and culture, economic development, and other public
benefits; and
2. Approve the Grant Agreement between the City of San Luis Obispo and the San
Luis Obispo Museum of Art and authorize the City Manager to execute the
agreement in a final form satisfactory to the City Attorney.
REPORT-IN-BRIEF
The San Luis Obispo Musuem of Art (SLOMA) has put forward a Proposal for Supporting
the Future San Luis Obispo Museum of Art: A New Home in the Heart of Downtown (the
“Proposal”) that was submitted to City Council on October 30, 2025 (Attachment B). The
Proposal entails an expansion of the existing museum by bringing together three existing
storefront properties on Higuera Street between Chorro and Garden, while also
maintaining and featuring connectivity to the creek walk, Mission Plaza, and the Cultural
Arts District. SLOMA’s proposed plans are consistent with numerous City plans and
policies and are also anticipated to have significant economic impact benefits.
In consideration of SLOMA’s proposed project’s ability to advance City plans and policy
objectives, on November 4, 2025, as part of its review of the unaudited year-end 2024-
25 fiscal year budget, the City Council directed staff to prepare a draft Grant Agreement
in the amount of $500,000 to support the first phase of SLOMA’s pro ject to activate the
museum expansion. The draft Grant Agreement contains terms and conditions that need
to occur before the City will disburse funds, outlines eligible uses of funds and how they
will be administered, ensures project reporting and financial assurance, and contemplates
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an amendment in the future that the City Council may consider for additional grant funding
to support the eventual acquisition of the expansion properties.
POLICY CONTEXT
SLOMA’s proposal has significant alignment with numerous City of San Luis Obispo plans
and policies. These include the City’s existing Major City Goals, Economic Development
Strategic Plan, Downtown Concept Plan, and General Plan Land Use Element policies,
such as:
1. 2025-27 Financial Plan Major City Goals
a. Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, and Fiscal Sustainability
i. Goal 2 (“Support the arts, including the Cultural Arts District”)
2. Economic Development Strategic Plan (2023), Placemaking & Promotion
a. 2.1 Quality-of-Place Promotion (“Bolster efforts to promote the City as
an appealing destination for all people to live, work, visit, and invest.”)
b. 2.2 Welcoming Environment (“Create an inclusive and friendly
environment for residents, workers, and visitors.”)
i. 2.2.2 (“Highlight the diverse culture, history, assets, and
amenities of the City to help foster a sense of inclusion.”)
c. 2.3 Downtown Vitality (“Continue to support and maintain a vibrant and
dynamic urban core that attracts people and businesses”)
i. 2.3.5 (“Support opportunities to speed the implementation of
the Downtown Concept Plan.”)
d. 2.4 Cultural Vitality (“Strengthen working relationships with and
maintain financial support of the arts community to enrich the cultural
offerings throughout the City”)
i. 2.4.3 (“Investigate the alignment of artistic and cultural
initiatives across the City.”)
ii. 2.4.6 (“Continue to work with community partners to ensure the
vitality of the City.”)
3. San Luis Obispo Downtown Concept Plan (2017)
a. Strong Identity (“Foster an economically and cultural diverse
downtown…”)
b. Art, Culture, and History ("Expand cultural, historical, and artistic
opportunities ... ")
4. Land Use Element of the General Plan (2014)
a. Policy 4.1 ("Downtown is the community's urban center serving as the
cultural, social, entertainment, and political center of the City... The City
wants its urban core to be economically healthy and realizes that
private and public investments in the Downtown support each other")
b. Policy 4.3 ("Cultural facilities, such as museums and galleries should
be Downtown.”)
In addition, the City is required to complete Economic Development Subsidy findings, as
required by California Government Code Section 53083, when making a grant in an
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amount of $100,000 or more for the purpose of stimulating economic development within
its jurisdiction.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City of San Luis Obispo enjoys a long-standing public / private partnership with
SLOMA that stretches back over 60 years, including through the lease of City property at
the location of the existing museum at 1010 Broad Street tangent to Mission Plaza in
1967. This relationship has supported a wide variety of activities and initiatives during th is
time in support of the visual arts, including the establishment of a formal Community
Partnership Agreement with SLOMA beginning in 2021 in furtherance of the City's Public
Art Program.
Over the past five years, SLOMA has built a strong staff and Board of Directors, increased
museum offerings and patrons of the museum, and re-invigorated its long-standing goal
of assembling a contemporary museum space of sufficient size and building
characteristics to meet its growing needs. A study commissioned by SLOMA to help them
better understand their space and building needs was prepared by the firm Lord Cultural
Resources (2024), which identified that demand exists for increased museum offerings,
and that a sufficiently sized new museum could attract over 100,000 visitors per year.
Importantly, this study also led SLOMA to conclude that construction of a new museum
at the existing location that would meet this need is cost prohibitive , with an expected
construction cost of over $54 million. Staff have thoroughly reviewed the study and concur
with the methodology and analysis that form the findings and recommendations ; the
Executive Summary is provided as Attachment C.
SLOMA's Proposal for Supporting the Future San Luis Obispo Museum of Art : A New
Home in the Heart of Downtown describes the first phase of SLOMA's plans to expand
from the 1010 Broad Street location by bringing together three existing storefront
properties on Higuera Street between Chorro and Garden, while also maintaining and
featuring connectivity to the creek walk, Mission Plaza, and the Cultural Arts District. The
three properties together would form a 24,000 -square-foot museum facility with multiple
galleries, a museum cafe and store, a blend of indoor and outdoor space, a nd downstairs
offices supportive of SLOMA's operations and storage needs. The 1010 Broad Street
property would be used for expanded arts educations programming, which is consistent
with the existing lease agreement with the City. The second phase of the Proposal entails
the eventual purchase of the three expansion properties on Higuera Street. The proposed
project represents another key Downtown investment, in addition to the Cultural Arts
District Parking Structure, the new San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, and the Mission
Plaza Enhancement Project, that will help to ensure Downtown vibrancy into the future.
Key Terms of the Grant Agreement
Staff and SLOMA, together with respective legal counsel, have prepared a draft Grant
Agreement (Attachment D) for an amount up to $500,000 that includes the following key
terms, in accordance with prior Council direction:
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1. The Grant Agreement is for a three-year term for Phase 1 implementation.
2. The City’s funds are a one-time grant of up to $500,000, paid on a
reimbursement basis, to be used for eligible soft costs only.
3. SLOMA shall secure all other project funds for Phase 1, all necessary project
entitlements and building permits, and shall submit to the City a fundraising plan
and three-year budget forecast demonstrating project feasibility.
4. SLOMA shall identify additional public benefits, such as public art in the creek
walk area, or similar, that can reasonably be implemented or facilitated.
5. The Grant Agreement requires public recognition of the City as a funding source
and project partner.
6. SLOMA shall submit quarterly reporting and financial assurance
documentation.
7. The Amendment paragraph specifies the conditions under which potential
Phase 2 funding may be considered, per SLOMA’s Proposal. These items
include satisfactorily completing all required elements of Grant Agreement
during implementation of Phase 1, submitting a detailed project description and
supportive justification for the additional funding request, and submitting
sufficient due diligence items for the City’s review to ensure expenditure of its
funds is supported and documented.
8. The Grant Agreement includes standard terms and conditions including Conflict
of Interest, Indemnification, and Termination.
Current Project Updates
Since first introducing the Proposal to City Council on November 4, 2025, SLOMA has
entered into a lease agreement with the current property owner and has taken possession
of all three Higuera Street storefronts as of February 1, 2026. SLOMA has also continued
to refine its project and has applied for permits and planning entitlements for the first
phases of the project that are currently under review with the Community Development
Department and the inter-departmental Design Review Team. Some aspects of the
project can move forward as tenant improvements, while others will require that SLOMA
assemble technical reports, including arborist, biological and cultural resources studies
and other information needed for project elements that are discretionary and will require
environmental review.
Economic Impact Analysis
As an attachment to its Proposal to the City, SLOMA also included data and modeling
from the Americans for the Arts: Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 report (January 2024),
which estimates that the operation of SLOMA’s new museum space will result in $123,500
in local government revenue and will generate $4,926,203 million in total expenditures on
an annual basis.
It is also anticipated that the implementation of SLOMA’s Proposal and the operation of
the new, expanded museum will generate 93 jobs a ccording to data and modeling
provided by SLOMA and the Americans for the Arts: Arts and Economic Prosperity 6
report (January 2024). Employment data contained in this report is based on the
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underlying IMPLAN Economic Model and is an annual average headcount of full time,
part time, and seasonal employment using the same definitions as the U.S.A. Bureau of
Economic Analysis Regional Economic Accounts and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Census of Employment and Wages.
SLOMA may be subject to possessory interest property tax during Phase 1 of the project;
however, as the tenant improvements for the new museum space are not yet constructed,
it is not yet known what the assessment and taxing rate will be. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization, if SLOMA acquires the expansion properties in the future, SLOMA may be
eligible for a partial exemption of property taxes through the County Tax Assessor and
the State Board of Equalization, provided that SLOMA continues to operate the property
exclusively for exempt uses on an annual filing basis.
An investment by the City in SLOMA’s new museum space is fiscally prudent as it will
contribute to a project that is anticipated to generate 93 jobs, $123,500 in revenue to the
City and over $4.9 million in expenditures, on an annual basis. From a project due
diligence perspective, SLOMA is required to submit a fundraising plan and three -year
forecasted operating budget for approval by the City prior to disbursement of funding, per
the draft Grant Agreement.
These data and analyses form the basis of the Economic Development Subsidy findings
that are required under California Government Code Section 53083, The City is required
to provide specified information in written form available to the public, through its website,
for any economic development subsidy within its jurisdiction and to provide public notice
and a hearing regarding the subsidy. An “economic development subsidy” is defined in
relevant part under the Government Code as “any expenditure of public funds or loss of
revenue to a local agency in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or
more, for the purpose of stimulating economic development within the jurisdiction of a
local agency, including, but not limited to . . . grants . . .” (Cal. Gov. Code § 53083(g)(1)).
The draft Grant Agreement entails a commitment of $500,000 in grant funding towards
SLOMA’s new museum space due to the long-standing community partnership with
SLOMA and the anticipated economic d evelopment and other public benefits the new
museum will provide. As such, the Grant Agreement constitutes an “economic
development subsidy”. The required Economic Development Subsidy findings and
disclosure are found in the draft Resolution included as Attachment A.
Previous Council Action
On November 4, 2025, as part of its review of the unaudited year-end 2024-25 fiscal year
budget, the City Council directed staff to prepare the draft Grant Agreement that is
recommended for approval with this Council Agenda Report. Council also directed staff
to “include terms [in the Grant Agreement] which would commit the City to providing
funding of some kind toward Phase 2 of the project, subject to further analysis and
discussion at a public meeting and with funding allocations determined during future
budget actions.” (Council Minutes for November 4, 2025, approved November 18, 2025).
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In addition, SLOMA also reports that they have successfully completed the “Challenge
Grant” that raised over $2 million following City Council’s first conversation and direction
to staff regarding their Proposal that occurred on November 4, 2025.
Public Engagement
Council considered public comments from numerous residents and community members
that spoke favorably about SLOMA’s Proposal at the November 4, 2025, City Council
meeting. Any member of the public may provide comments, testimony, or written
comments to the City Council about this item. In addition, because this item requires a
public hearing (due to the Economic Development Subsidy requirements under California
Government Code section 53083 described above), it has been noticed in the public -
facing kiosk in front of City Hall and on the City’s website.
SLOMA has also been engaging with the public, including news releases and social
media, installation of colorful information signs in the windows of the Higuera Street
storefronts, and sharing details with local businesses and service groups including a
presentation to the Downtown SLO Board of Directors in November, 2025, and at the San
Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s “Good Morning SLO” event that took place in
January, 2026.
Next Steps
Should Council approve the draft Grant Agreement, staff will conti nue to work closely with
SLOMA and will establish a regular meeting cadence to maintain timely communication,
support project delivery, and ensure proper oversight of grant funds and reporting
requirements.
If SLOMA is able to complete property negotiatio ns and fundraising plans towards the
eventual purchase of the buildings and timely complete the conditions precedent to be ing
considered for Phase 2 funding, staff will provide options and recommendations regarding
additional funding at the next regularly scheduled budget hearing, per prior Council
direction on November 4, 2025. This will allow an additional funding request to be
considered in the context of the City’s overall budget , with the next appropriate
opportunity taking place on June 2, 2026, when the Council will consider the Fiscal Year
2026-2027 Budget Supplement.
CONCURRENCE
On January 14, 2026, the SLOMA Board of Directors took action to approve the draft
Grant Agreement.
The Community Development Department and the Economic Development and Tourism
Program concur with the recommendation in furtherance of General Plan and Economic
Development Strategic Plan implementation, respectively.
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and provided its concurrence as to the form of
the draft Grant Agreement and draft Resolution.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Entering into a Grant Agreement is not considered a project under California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378. The future implementation
of some elements of SLOMA’s project, however, will be subject to environmental review
and a CEQA determination, which will take place concurrent with the City’s evaluation of
the SLOMA’s building permit and planning entitlement applications.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2024-25
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund
(FY 2024-25
Unassigned
Fund Balance)
$3,468,954 $500,000 $2,968,954* N/A
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $3,468,954 $500,000 $2,968,954 N/A
* The $2,968,954 of ‘remaining balance’ noted above represents the balance of FY 2024 -
25 Unassigned Fund Balance after the $500,000 contribution toward SLOMA is
considered. At the time that this item will be heard, it will follow Council’s consideration
of allocations of the Unassigned Fund Balance as part of approval of the
recommendations in the Second Quarter Budget Report item heard earlier on the
February 17, 2026, agenda.
The audited, unassigned fund balance for the General Fund for FY 2024-25 is
$3,468,954. Consistent with Council’s direction of November 4, 2025, staff is
recommending allocation of $500,000 from FY 2024-25 unassigned fund balance for this
purpose as part of the Second Quarter Budget Report that will be presented to Council
prior to consideration of this item. Modest staff time will be needed to ensure oversight
of the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement and to support project delivery and
the overall partnership with SLOMA.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Council may direct modifications to the draft Grant Agreement to incorporate
different terms or requirements.
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Item 6c
2. Council could direct staff to make modifications to the draft Grant
Agreement and bring it back as an item for future reconsideration. Should
Council choose this alternative, it is recommended that a “date certain” be
identified, so that SLOMA may reliably anticipate future project actions and
scheduling.
3. Council may elect not to approve the draft Grant Agreement in favor of other
budget needs and priorities. If this alternative is chosen, it should be noted that
the City Council’s direction on November 4, 2025, assisted in meeting a challenge
grant offered by community members to help SLOMA raise $2 million that could
be jeopardized.
ATTACHMENTS
A - Draft Resolution
B - Proposal for Supporting the Future San Luis Obispo Museum of Art: A New Home
in the Heart of Downtown. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (2025).
C - San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA), New Building Facilities and Operations
Focused Feasibility Study. Executive Summary. Lord Cultural Resources (2024).
D - Draft Grant Agreement
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. _____ (2026 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THAT A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH
THE SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART IS OF PUBLIC BENEFIT IN
ACCORANCE WITH CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION
53083 AND APPROVING THE GRANT AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, The City of San Luis Obispo (City) enjoys a long-standing public /
private partnership with the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) that stretches back
over 60 years, including through the lease of City property at the location of the existing
museum at 1010 Broad Street tangent to Mission Plaza in 1967. This relationship has
supported a wide variety of activities and initiatives during this time in support of the visual
arts, including the establishment of a formal Community Partnership Agreement with
SLOMA beginning in 2021 in furtherance of the City's Public Art Program; and
WHEREAS, SLOMA has put forward a Proposal for Supporting the Future San
Luis Obispo Museum of Art: A New Home in the Heart of Downtown (the “Proposal”)
submitted to City Council on October 30, 2025, that has significant alignment with
numerous City plans and policies. These include the City’s existing 2025-27 Major City
Goals, Economic Development Strategic Plan (2023), Downtown Concept Plan (2017),
and General Plan Land Use Element (2014); and
WHEREAS, SLOMA's Proposal describes plans to expand from its present
location at 1010 Broad Street by also bringing together three existing storefront properties
on Higuera Street between Chorro and Garden, while maintaining and featuring
connectivity to the creek walk, Mission Plaza, and the Cultural Arts District. The three
properties together would form a 24,000 -square-foot museum facility with multiple
galleries, a museum cafe and store, a blend of indoor and outdoor space, and downstairs
offices supportive of SLOMA's operations and storage needs. The 1010 Broad Street
property would be used for expanded arts educations programming by SLOMA, which is
consistent with the existing lease agreement for that property with the City; and
WHEREAS, SLOMA’s Proposal is informed by a feasibility study and economic
development data that forecast SLOMA’s museum offerings would at tract at least
106,200 individuals to the downtown area (Lord Cultural Resources, 2024), support 93
jobs, and generate total expenditures of over $4.9 million (Americans for the Arts: Arts
and Economic Prosperity 6 report and Arts and Economic Prosperity AEP 6 Calculator,
January 2024). These data suggest that an investment by the City in SLOMA’s new
museum space is fiscally prudent and underly Economic Development Subsidy findings
that are required by California Governmen t Code Section 53083, which are documented
herein; and
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2025, as part of its review of the unaudited year-end
2024-25 fiscal year budget, the City Council received numerous, favorable public
comments and testimony from SLOMA staff a nd members of its Board of Directors
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Resolution No. _____ (2026 Series) Page 2
R ______
regarding the Proposal, and directed staff to prepare a Grant Agreement to provide
funding in support of Phase I of SLOMA’s Proposal in an amount up to $500,000 .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. The above recitals are true and correct and are a substantive part of
this Resolution.
SECTION 2. Findings.
Economic Development Subsidy
Under California Government Code Section 53083, the City is requir ed to provide
specified information in written form available to the public, through its website, for any
economic development subsidy within its jurisdiction and to provide public notice and a
hearing regarding the subsidy. An “economic development subsid y” is defined in relevant
part under the Government Code as “any expenditure of public funds or loss of revenue
to a local agency in the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, for
the purpose of stimulating economic development within the jurisdiction of a local agency,
including, but not limited to . . . grants . . .” (Cal. Gov. Code § 53083(g)(1)).
The draft Grant Agreement entails a commitment of $500,000 in grant funding towards
SLOMA’s new museum space due to the long-standing community partnership with
SLOMA and the anticipated economic development and other public benefits the new
museum will provide. As such, the Grant Agreement constitutes an “economic
development subsidy” and disclosure of the following information and a public hearing
are required, as follows (shown in italics):
1) The name and address of all corporations or any other business entities, except
for sole proprietorships, that are the beneficiary of the economic development
subsidy, if applicable. San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, A California Non-Profit
Corporation.1010 Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.
2) The start and end dates and schedule, if applicable, for the economic
development subsidy. The start date is upon entry into the Grant Agreement.
City of San Luis Obispo grant funding would be required to be expended within
three years following the start date, unless otherwise amended.
3) A description of the economic development subsidy, including the estimated
total amount of the expenditure of public funds by, or of revenue lost to, the
local agency as a result of the economic development subsidy. The total
amount of direct expenditure of public funds is $500,000.00.
4) A statement of the public purposes for the economic development subsidy. The
public purpose for the economic development subsidy is to support arts and
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Resolution No. _____ (2026 Series) Page 3
R ______
cultural activities in the downtown area of San Luis Obispo, which is expected
to generate direct and indirect local economic impact benefits.
5) Projected tax revenue to the local agency as a result of the economic
development subsidy. According to data provided by SLOMA and the
Americans for the Arts: Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 report (January 2024),
the operation of SLOMA’s new museum space will result in $123,500 in local
government revenue and will generate $4,926,203 million in total expenditures
an annual basis. SLOMA will be subject to possessory interest property tax,
however as the tenant improvements for the new museum space are not yet
constructed, it is not yet known what the assessment and taxing rate will be.
6) Estimated number of jobs created by the economic development subsidy,
broken down by full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. According to data
provided by SLOMA and the Americans for the Arts: Arts and Economic
Prosperity 6 report (January 2024), the operation of the new museum space
will generate 93 jobs. Employment data contained in this report is based on the
underlying IMPLAN model and is an annual average headcount of full time, part
time, and seasonal employment using the same definitions as the U.S.A.
Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Economic Accounts and the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Employment and Wages.
The public hearing and disclosure of economic development subsidy contained herein
have been duly noticed and carried out in accordance with the requirements of California
Government Code Section 53083.
SECTION 3. Environmental Review. The passage of this Resolution and
entering into a Grant Agreement is not considered a project under CEQA Guidelines
Section 15378.
SECTION 4. Grant Agreement. City staff are hereby authorized to execute the
Grant Agreement in the form and manner approved by the City Attorney, attached as
Exhibit A, and to duly oversee and carry out the terms and conditions of the Lease
Agreement.
Upon motion of Council Member ___________, seconded by Council Member
___________, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _______________ 2026.
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Resolution No. _____ (2026 Series) Page 4
R ______
___________________________
Mayor Erica A. Stewart
ATTEST:
______________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of San Luis Obispo, California, on ______________________.
___________________________
Teresa Purrington
City Clerk
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PROPOSAL FOR SUPPORTING THE FUTURE
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART:
A NEW HOME IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN
1
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1010 BROAD STREET at Mission Plaza
POST OFFICE BOX 813
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA 93406
PH: 805-543-8562
INFO@SLOMA.ORG
Ermina Karim
Co-Chair
Cheryl Cuming
Co-Chair
Trudie Safreno
Treasurer
Barbara Bell
Executive Committee
Lindsey Harn
Executive Committee
John Dunn
Board Member
Celeste Hope
Board Member
Beya Makekau
Board Member
Mike Quamma
Board Member
Missy Reitner-Cameron
Board Member
David Richards
Board Member
Amy Wright
Board Member
Leann Standish
Executive Director
Dear Mayor Stewart and Honorable Councilmembers
Boswell, Francis, Marx, and Shoresman:
For more than six decades, every City Council—including this one—has made
bold investments to reinforce and enrich our community’s economic and cultural
vitality. From the creation of Mission Plaza to the support of the PAC to the soon-
to-open SLO REP Theatre, each generation of civic leaders has proven through
their vision and action that City investment in our social infrastructure is essential
to shaping a vibrant, resilient community.
In each case, the presiding City Councils recognized that transformative projects
seldom come without risk. They weighed long-term returns, ensured alignment
with Major City Goals, and moved forward to strengthen the cultural and
economic fabric of our community.
The Next Chapter in Civic Investment
Today, the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) presents the next
opportunity for civic investment and community transformation. Expanding from
its historic home at 1010 Broad Street, the Museum will bring together three
Higuera Street storefronts (778, 782, and 786) to form a 24,000-square-foot
campus—bridging Mission Plaza and the vibrant downtown core with art and
community. The total project is estimated at $20 million, to be raised in two
phases.
October 29, 2025
2
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We respectfully request that the City invest $2.5 million to help bring this once-in-a-generation
project to completion. A portion—$500,000—would help complete the first of two phases,
outfitting the new Museum with the furnishings needed to welcome students, families, and
visitors from across and outside the region. The remaining $2 million commitment would
assist in the property’s eventual purchase, ensuring this downtown treasure remains a
permanent part of San Luis Obispo’s cultural landscape.
Importantly, the City’s support now would immediately qualify for a time-limited $2 million
matching contribution from the Forbes family, thereby doubling the impact of the City’s
investment and signaling to major donors that San Luis Obispo is ready to match their
confidence with civic commitment. In doing so, the City would be joining a collection of private
donors who, in total, have already pledged $8 million.
An Aligned Investment
SLOMA’s planned expansion embodies San Luis Obispo’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive,
and economically vibrant community. It will directly advance the City Council’s Major Goals
FY 2025–27) for Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, and Fiscal Sustainability as well as
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Moreover, it is in alignment with the City’s long-term vision as
articulated in the Downtown Concept, Mission Plaza, and Economic Development Strategic
Plans and reflects priorities identified by Resonance Consultancy in its Downtown Future
Forum Report (2021). Together, these efforts reinforce decades of civic investment in a
thriving, culturally rich, interconnected downtown core.
The expanded SLOMA will strengthen San Luis Obispo by:
Providing a year-round, everyday reason for residents and visitors alike to visit downtown,
thus increasing foot traffic and tourism and generating an expected $4–$6 million in new
annual downtown spending.
Creating an accessible, public destination that will fuel the momentum of downtown
revitalization and enrich the city’s enduring sense of place.
Exponentially increasing the educational programming and enrollment capacity for local
students and families across the Central Coast to build creativity, confidence, and a
deeper sense of belonging in our community.
Drawing visitors from across the Central Coast to the only art museum between Monterey
and Santa Barbara, thus strengthening San Luis Obispo’s reputation as a regional cultural
capital and place of creative belonging.
A Timely Catalyst
Our moment is now. City participation at this stage will help the Museum secure matching
funds that will otherwise expire at year-end. Timely participation would also inspire additional
private donations keeping the project on track for ground breaking in 2026, and a grand
opening in early 2027.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request
3
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Private donors are responding enthusiastically to the Museum’s vision: Since August 2025,
SLOMA has quietly raised $8 million in cash and pledges from donors across the region,
including nearly $600,000 in qualifying gifts toward the Forbes family’s $2-million challenge
grant. When the full match is realized, total funds raised will exceed $11 million, more than half
of the overall $20 million campaign goal.
It’s worth repeating: In just 10 short weeks, our community has rallied around this vision with
remarkable enthusiasm, making it clear through their generosity that this project reflects both
the needs of today and the dreams of what San Luis Obispo can be for generations to come.
Few moments offer such clear alignment between community will, private investment, and
public purpose.
By partnering in this effort, the City will extend a long legacy of transformational civic
investments that strengthen downtown, fuel economic opportunity, and ensure that art and
creativity remain central to San Luis Obispo’s identity for generations to come.
We are grateful for your leadership and consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Leann Standish Ermina Karim
SLOMA Executive Director Co-Chair, SLOMA Board of Directors
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WHY IT MATTERS:
A DOWNTOWN ANCHOR FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
SLOMA’s expansion is about more than adding walls for art: it’s about creating the kind of
shared civic space that makes a city feel alive.
Across the nation, libraries and museums are emerging as vital anchors of community life,
providing the social infrastructure that helps people connect, learn, and imagine together.
They invigorate downtowns, fuel local economies and give residents a sense of belonging that
digital life cannot replace.
The City’s own advisors, Resonance Consultancy, have emphasized that this kind of
activation—where culture, community, and commerce intersect—is exactly what defines a
thriving 21st-century downtown. Their Downtown Future Forum Report and Visit SLO CAL
Destination Management Strategy both point to cultural vitality and authentic local experiences
as essential to ensuring a vibrant community, one that attracts and inspires people to be
engaged in the civic life of their community (see Appendix).
Across the world, cities that are thriving did not happen by chance; they are the products of
clear visions and bold investments in the facilities and experiences that cultivate creativity
and connection.
It’s worth recalling a few defining moments when City Councils made forward-looking
investments that forever changed San Luis Obispo’s trajectory:
Mission Plaza (1970): Against considerable objections from the business community, the
Council transformed a section of Monterey Street into one of California’s first pedestrian
plazas. Fifty-five years later, Mission Plaza remains the heart of downtown and is
celebrated as the jewel of San Luis Obispo—a model for small-city revitalization and
placemaking.
Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly (1990s): In partnership with Cal Poly and the
Foundation for the Performing Arts Center (FPAC), the City contributed over $5 million—
about one-sixth of the total $30 million cost —to help build a world-class venue not far
from downtown. In addition, for more than three decades, the City has shared in annual
operating support alongside Cal Poly and FPAC, keeping the facility accessible and
sustaining a robust calendar of performances that draw audiences from across the region.
Chinatown / Hotel SLO (2012): Once again, the Council forged ahead over objections from
those lamenting the loss of parking, enabling the creation of the Chinatown project. The
result—Hotel SLO—has become a cornerstone of downtown’s social and economic vitality,
generating significant TOT revenue and strengthening downtown’s role as the city’s shared
gathering place.
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SLO REP Theatre (2020s): Coming soon, thanks to the City’s continued financial support
and a vision dating to the 1990s, SLO REP will break ground on a new performing arts
venue expected to draw 50,000 patrons to downtown annually.
Each of these decisions reshaped downtown in lasting ways. The expanded SLOMA
represents the next bold step in that continuum—an investment that ensures our city’s core
remains dynamic, economically vibrant and welcoming to all.
What the Expansion Will Offer
SLOMA’s expansion will connect the Museum’s historic home overlooking Mission Plaza
at 1010 Broad Street to two adjacent buildings on Higuera Street, whose combined three
storefronts will create a unified 24,000-square-foot art and community campus in the heart of
downtown. This dual-front presence will physically link Mission Plaza and Higuera Street –
creating a new gateway between civic, creative, and commercial life—weaving together two of
San Luis Obispo’s most vibrant pedestrian corridors and activating them with art, education,
and community life.
The expansion will advance in two sequenced phases to ensure fiscal responsibility and
steady progress:
Phase 1 ($10.4 million): Getting a museum built. This initial phase will transform three
connected, underutilized Higuera Street spaces into one new museum with four galleries,
community gathering areas, and a museum store. It encompasses design, permitting,
construction, and all furnishings, fixtures, and equipment needed to open to the public
as well as bridge funding to support operations during the transition period to the new
facility. Completing Phase 1 will deliver a fully operational museum and a visible, high-
impact anchor for downtown vitality. Our goal for opening to the public is January 2027.
Importantly, SLOMA is contracting with local design and construction firms that rely on local
labor.
Phase 2 ($10 million): Securing the Museum’s future. Once construction is complete, the
second phase will purchase the property outright and establish an operating endowment,
ensuring that the Museum’s presence downtown—and the City’s investment—are
protected for generations to come. This structure provides long-term financial sustainability
and allows the Museum to continue leveraging private philanthropy for ongoing growth and
programming.
The project will deliver not only more space for art and education but also new sources of
earned income that will make SLOMA more financially self-sustaining for the long term. Once
fully operational, the new Museum is projected—based on the Lord Cultural Resources
feasibility study—to draw close to 110,000 annually to the heart of downtown and generate
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millions in additional economic activity for nearby retailers, restaurants, and hotels (see
Appendix).
But more than that, the expanded Museum will be an everyday reason to come downtown.
By presenting 10 to 15 exhibitions each year, alongside public programs, school tours, and
community events, SLOMA will give residents and visitors multiple new reasons to return
downtown again and again—building civic connection and sustaining local commerce year-
round. Improvements include:
Expanded Gallery Space: With nearly triple the
current exhibition area, the expanded Museum will,
for the first time, be able to host major traveling and
co-curated exhibitions, while continuing to champion
regional talent. Partnerships with peer institutions will
allow SLOMA to share costs and visibility, bringing
nationally-recognized art to San Luis Obispo,
and making world-class exhibitions accessible to
community members who might not otherwise have
the opportunity to experience them.
A Dedicated Education Space: Transforming the 1010
Broad Street building into classrooms will more than
double SLOMA’s reach as an educational resource—
restoring access to hands-on art learning that has
largely disappeared from many local schools. The
space will provide a permanent home for expanded
programming, including field trips, art camps,
teacher training, and community workshops, serving
thousands of students annually while supporting
lifelong learning for adults and families across the
county (see Appendix).
Cultural Gathering and Event Spaces: The expansion
includes a versatile indoor gathering hall and outdoor
patio, designed to accommodate artist talks, small
performances, civic dialogues, and community
celebrations. These flexible spaces will serve as a
cultural commons for residents and visitors while
generating new earned income through event rentals.
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Historic Façade Restoration and Streetscape
Improvements: The project will restore and unify
the historic façades of two downtown buildings,
thereby enhancing architectural character, lighting,
and accessibility, and contributing to a more inviting
pedestrian experience that will benefit the entire
downtown core.
Financial Sustainability: The expansion will generate
new earned-income streams from event rentals, the
museum store, and public programs thus making
SLOMA more self-sustaining and resilient, less
dependent on donor income, and better equipped to
sustain operations for decades to come.
A small museum shop on Higuera Street will feature
artist-made goods and publications, extending the
visitor experience while activating the street frontage.
Sustainable Design and Accessibility: Adaptive reuse
will minimize carbon impact, preserve the historic
downtown scale, and ensure full ADA accessibility,
energy efficiency, and flexible design for future needs.
As a conservative estimate, these spaces will enable the Museum to double annual
attendance to nearly 110,000, more than double educational participation, and greatly
expand year-round programming establishing SLOMA as both a cultural anchor and a
magnet attracting residents and visitors year-round to the downtown core (see Appendix).
Alignment with Major City Goals
As both a cultural investment and an economic catalyst, this expansion is in full alignment
with this Council’s Major City Goals (FY 2025–27) for Cultural Vitality, Economic
Resilience, and Fiscal Sustainability, as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Promote Economic Resilience
Research from Americans for the Arts shows arts patrons spend an additional $25–$70
per visit on local food, retail, and lodging. The expanded Museum is projected to generate
conservatively $4–$6 million in new downtown spending each year, serving as both
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a destination and a catalyst for surrounding businesses. The Economic Impact of the
Arts & Culture Sector report for 2025 found that SLO County nonprofit arts and cultural
organizations like SLOMA contributed to $291.1 million in visitor spending, yielding a total
economic impact of $478.7 million, supporting 5,163 jobs countywide. The City of San
Luis Obispo alone received $99 million in arts-related spending with a total impact of $163
million, underscoring that investment in culture directly strengthens our local and regional
economy (see Appendix).
Beyond its direct impact, SLOMA addresses a broader economic reality about the changing
character of downtowns, shifting from their role as retail cores toward experience-driven
destinations that combine culture, dining, and social gathering to attract residents, visitors,
and workforce talent. A 2025 Cushman & Wakefield study (“The Rise of the Experiential
Economy”) found that thriving downtowns depend on experience-focused anchors such
as museums, theaters, and cultural centers. These anchors typically represent less than
two percent of urban real estate but they generate roughly one-quarter of total foot traffic in
thriving downtowns (see Appendix).
Locally, the Visit SLO CAL Destination Management Strategy, developed with Resonance
Consultancy in 2019, reached similar conclusions: emphasizing that future visitors
increasingly seek authentic experiences that connect them with local creativity, culture,
and community. The report highlighted the need for new, high-quality cultural offerings
to complement San Luis Obispo’s natural assets and outdoor appeal, helping the region
compete for both visitors and residents who value quality of life and belonging.
Building on that foundation, the project also directly advances three of the City’s top
opportunities identified in the Downtown Future Forum Report (Resonance Consultancy,
2021): establishing a Cultural Arts & Entertainment District anchored by SLOMA and its
neighboring institutions; reconnecting public spaces along the creek and Mission Plaza
into a cohesive cultural and pedestrian corridor; and strengthening a walkable, experience-
driven downtown core that attracts residents and visitors year-round (see Appendix).
Finally, just as the City’s financial support and partnership with REACH and the Cal Poly’s
Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship strengthen the region’s innovation economy,
investment in SLOMA will enhance the quality of life essential to attracting and retaining the
creative and professional workforce that local employers consistently cite as essential to
their success.
Support Downtown Vitality and the Cultural Arts District
The reimagined Museum will serve as a critically needed anchor on Higuera Street and a
front door to the Cultural Corridor, drawing consistent, year-round pedestrian activity that
also benefits surrounding restaurants, retailers, and hotels. With 2.4 million pedestrians
passing annually, the Museum will extend downtown energy beyond weekends and
festivals—creating an accessible, open-to-all destination that provides a perpetual return on
the City’s long-term investment in the cultural arts.
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Advance Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The repurposed Education Center at 1010 Broad Street will more than double SLOMA’s
capacity to serve school-age children and families across the county, especially in rural
districts and schools serving low-income communities where formal arts instruction is limited
or absent. In partnership with schools, after-school programs, and youth organizations, the
Museum will deliver accessible, curriculum-aligned arts learning experiences that nurture
creativity, critical thinking, and belonging—skills essential to both academic success and
future workforce readiness.
At the same time, through exhibitions co-curated with community partners and a sustained
commitment to presenting artists and stories from underrepresented communities, SLOMA
ensures that every resident and visitor can see themselves reflected and inspired, keeping
creativity, inclusion, and shared identity at the center of civic life.
Champion Sustainability and Stewardship
The adaptive reuse of two existing downtown buildings will cut construction-related carbon
emissions by more than half compared to new construction, while preserving the historic
urban fabric that defines San Luis Obispo’s character. Energy-efficient systems, improved
accessibility, and restored façades will reduce operational costs and advance the City’s goal
of carbon neutrality by 2035—an investment that models environmental responsibility and
fiscal prudence. SLOMA has retained local design and construction firms who rely on local
labor to do the work.
In addition, the project directly advances three of the City’s top opportunities identified
in the Downtown Future Forum Report (Resonance Consultancy, 2021): establishing a
Cultural Arts & Entertainment District anchored by SLOMA and its neighboring institutions;
reconnecting public spaces along San Luis Creek and Mission Plaza into a cohesive cultural
and pedestrian corridor; and strengthening a walkable, experience-driven downtown core
that attracts residents and visitors year-round.
SLOMA Ascendant: A 60-Year Legacy, a 5-Year Transformation
While the organization’s roots stretch back more than 60 years to its origins as the San Luis
Obispo Art Center, the past five years have painted a clear picture of what SLOMA could do
in expanded space. Its performance over the past five years shows it can translate vision
into impact and manage public investment with accountability.
Since reopening after COVID under renewed staff and board leadership, the Museum has
strengthened every facet of its work: dramatically increasing attendance, expanding arts
education, growing financial capacity, and forging new civic and community partnerships.
The result is an institution that honors its legacy while embracing a modern vision of access,
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inclusion, and artistic excellence—one that stands today as a proven and accountable
partner for City investment.
Audience Growth
Annual visitation has increased from roughly 30,000 in 2019 to 50,000 in 2025, all with free
admission.
Student Access
With a focus on inclusivity and access, each year SLOMA distributes 2,500+ free bilingual
art kits through its youth education programs. In addition, free school tours have grown from
about 250 students in 2019 to 614 so far this year, with more than 60% from Title I schools.
Financial Strength
Contributions and grants have more than doubled—from $330,000 in FY 2019–20 to over
800,000 in FY 2024–25—reflecting growing donor confidence and institutional stability. The
number of individual donors has also increased by over 50%, and since 2020 SLOMA has
established a robust business sponsorship program—now 16 partners strong—alongside a
steady stream of competitive grant funding that was not historically secured.
Highlighting Central Coast Creativity
Nearly half (43%) of the artists featured since 2020 hail from the Central Coast, shown in
conversation with artists from across the nation and around the world—positioning San Luis
Obispo as both a platform for local voices and a participant in the global arts dialogue.
Showcasing Diverse and Underrepresented Artists
Over the last five years, more than half of SLOMA’s featured exhibitions have highlighted
women, artists of color, or LGBTQ+ artists. Over that same period, we’ve seen engagement
with more diverse communities, many of whom are visiting SLOMA for the first time.
Community Partnerships
SLOMA has collaborated with organizations including the GALA Pride & Diversity Center,
SLO County Arts Council, Festival Mozaic, SLO Movement Arts, and Sensorio to co-develop
exhibitions and public programs that elevate local voices and reflect the region’s creative
diversity. In addition, the Museum partners with a wide range of community organizations—
including Woods Humane Society, the Diversity Coalition, EcoSlo, SLO County
UndocuSupport, RACE Matters and others—to expand visibility, reach new audiences, and
celebrate the many facets of our community.
Specialized Educational and Therapeutic Programming
In partnership with Cuesta College and Cal Poly, SLOMA regularly provides students with
hands-on curatorial experience, exhibition training, and in-classroom learning opportunities,
while newer collaborations with Adventist Health and Hospice SLO County are piloting
therapeutic art workshops for patients and community members demonstrating how
creativity fosters learning, healing, and human connection.
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Civic Leadership and Recognition
SLOMA has completed the Museum Assessment Program with the American Alliance of
Museums and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (2021) and secured multiple,
highly-competitive state and federal grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, IMLS,
and California Arts Council (2021–2025).
City-SLOMA Public Art Partnership
Since entering a management agreement with the City in 2021, SLOMA has delivered
seven permanent and temporary public art installations across San Luis Obispo.
Organizational Capacity
Staff has grown from three to nine, and SLOMA’s exhibitions now receive statewide
and national recognition. Since launching its internship program in 2020, the Museum
has mentored 25+ college interns—many first-generation students— preparing the next
generation of arts professionals.
Together, these outcomes demonstrate that SLOMA is not a new or untested idea—it is
a thriving, forward-looking institution with the capacity, credibility, and community trust to
deliver a strong return on City investment.
In Summary: A Sustainable and Inclusive Vision
SLOMA’s expansion embodies the City’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and
economically vibrant community. With steady growth, diversified revenue streams, and a
planned endowment, SLOMA enters this project from a position of strength and stewardship.
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity: The move to Higuera Street places SLOMA at the
epicenter of the city’s pedestrian and cultural life—converting 2.4 million annual
pedestrians into year-round cultural engagement, small-business activity, and civic pride.
Continuity of Cultural Investment: Continuity of Cultural Investment: As with the
Performing Arts Center and SLO REP,partnering with SLOMA continues a proven City
strategy: leveraging nonprofit institutions to achieve public goals for community vitality,
education, and economic resilience—anchored downtown and across the city.
Fiscal Responsibility: The requested $2.5 million represents roughly one percent of the
City’s current Capital Improvement Plan—a modest investment relative to scale, yet one
that yields an outsized return in economic benefit, downtown activation, and cultural
identity.
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San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request
This opportunity is time-sensitive. The alignment of public priorities, private philanthropy,
and available downtown property is rare—and is unlikely to come again soon. With design
work underway, donor momentum accelerating, and matching funds on the line, City
partnership at this moment would secure millions in private investment and ensure the
project moves forward on schedule.
By investing in this project, the City will help transform three centrally located downtown
spaces into a living cultural landmark—one that strengthens civic pride, attracts visitors and
employers, and strengthens downtown’s vitality.
This is a moment of convergence—where vision, readiness, and opportunity come together
in a shared purpose.
By stepping forward now, the City can help realize a project decades in the dreaming and
ensure that art and creativity remain central to the San Luis Obispo story for generations to
come.
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APPENDIX
1. Economic Impact of the Arts 3
2. Expansion Feasibility Report & Attendance Projections 5
3. Citywide Economic Development & Placemaking 7
4. Downtown Development & Cultural Anchors 9
5. The Creative Economy 11
6. The Rise of the Experiential Economy 12
7. Workforce Expansion 13
8. Arts Education: New Programming Projections 14
9. Artist Renderings: Introducing the New San Luis Obispo Museum of Art 15
10. Digital Sources: Links 18
To project the economic impact of SLOMA’s planned expansion, we based our analysis on the
following sources:
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 1
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i. Appendix Executive Summary
The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) and its planned expansion align closely with the City
of San Luis Obispo’s broader economic, cultural, and community development goals. Collectively, the
sources in this Appendix demonstrate the vital role of arts and culture in fostering economic growth,
downtown vitality, workforce development, and placemaking.
Economic Impact of the Arts
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 (2015) study found that San Luis Obispo County’s nonprofit arts and
culture sector generated $27.7 million in direct economic activity, supporting 916 jobs and producing $1.1
million in local government revenue. Event attendees spent an average of $30.67 per person, benefiting
local restaurants, shops, and hotels. Building on this, Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (2023) offers an
impact calculator that estimates SLOMA’s operations and audiences will contribute nearly $5 million
annually to the City’s economy, including $3 million in direct audience spending.
Expansion Feasibility Report & Attendance Projections
According to Lord Cultural Resources’ 2023 Feasibility Study, a new museum facility would conservatively
attract nearly 110,000 visitors annually, giving residents and visitors alike a new reason to come
downtown.
Citywide Economic Development & Placemaking
The City’s 2023 Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) identifies Placemaking & Promotion as a
key pillar for economic resilience. Central to this strategy is strengthening partnerships with and funding
for the arts community, recognizing that cultural vitality enriches civic life and drives sustainable economic
development.
Downtown Development & Cultural Anchors
Resonance Consultancy’s 2021 Downtown SLO Development Report positions cultural institutions,
including SLOMA, as major catalysts for downtown revitalization. The study identifies SLOMA’s expansion
as a top opportunity to enhance the city’s Cultural District, attract new visitors, and stimulate local
business activity.
The Creative Economy
The 2025 Economic Impact of the Arts & Culture Sector report underscores the magnitude of the local
creative economy: countywide, arts and culture generated $478.7 million in total economic impact and
supported over 5,000 jobs. Within the City of San Luis Obispo alone, the arts produced $163 million in
total impact, highlighting the sector’s growing importance.
The Rise of the Experiential Economy
Cushman & Wakefield’sThe Rise of the Experiential Economy (2025) confirms that museums and cultural
centers, though typically comprising less than 2% of urban real estate, generate up to 25% of downtown
foot traffic.
Workforce Expansion & Arts Education: New Programming Projections
SLOMA’s workforce and education plans will create new professional positions, support local artists and
educators, and expand arts education access through scholarships and new youth programs.
Artist Renderings: Introducing the New San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Walk the galleries of SLOMA’s future home on Higuera!
Together, these findings demonstrate that investment in SLOMA and the broader arts ecosystem is an
investment in SLO’s economic vitality, cultural identity, and community well-being. The data consistently
show that the arts are not peripheral—they are a central driver of prosperity, creativity, and connection.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 2
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1. Economic Impact of the Arts
Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 is Americans for the Arts’ fifth study of the nonprofit arts and culture
industry’s impact on the economy. It documents the economic contributions of the arts in 341 diverse
communities and regions across the country, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 report included a breakdown specific to San Luis Obispo County,
revealing that the local arts and culture sector generated more than $27.7 million in direct
economic activity through organizational spending and visitor income. Attendees at arts and
cultural events spent an average of $30.67 per person, supporting locally owned restaurants,
shops, hotels, and transportation services. Notably, these figures reflect 2015 dollars—meaning
the sector’s current economic impact is even greater today.
The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and
Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in
San Luis Obispo County, CA (Fiscal Year 2015)
Direct Economic Activity
Arts and Cultural
Organizations +
Arts and Cultural
Audiences =
Total Industry
Expenditures
Total Industry Expenditures $13,693,022 $14,029,567 $27,722,589
Economic Impact of Spending by Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences
Total Economic Impact of Expenditures
Economic Impact of
Organizations +
Economic Impact of
Audiences =
Total
Economic Impact
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Jobs Supported 543 373 916
Household Income Paid to Residents $9,527,000 $7,315,000 $16,842,000
Revenue Generated to Local Government $507,000 $594,000 $1,101,000
Revenue Generated to State Government $632,000 $1,018,000 $1,650,000
Event-Related Spending by Arts and Cultural Audiences Totaled $14 million (excluding the cost of admission)
Attendance to Arts and Culture Events
Resident1
Attendees +
Nonresident1
Attendees =
All
Cultural Audiences
Total Attendance to Arts and Culture Events 381,226 75,879 457,105
Percentage of Total Attendance 83.4% 16.6% 100.0%
Average Event-Related Spending Per Person $23.37 $67.48 $30.67
Total Event-Related Expenditures $8,909,252 $5,120,315 $14,029,567
Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Event Attendees Spend an Average of $30.67 Per Person (excluding the cost of admission)
Category of Event-Related Expenditure
Resident1
Attendees
Nonresident1
Attendees
All
Cultural Audiences
Meals and Refreshments $13.86 $20.99 $15.04
Souvenirs and Gifts $5.73 $3.78 $5.41
Ground Transportation $1.83 $7.69 $2.80
Overnight Lodging (one night only) $0.79 $32.28 $6.00
Other/Miscellaneous $1.16 $2.74 $1.42
Average Event-Related Spending Per Person $23.37 $67.48 $30.67
Source: Arts & Economic Prosperity 5: The Economic Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Cultural Organizations and Their Audiences in San
Luis Obispo County. For more information about this study or about other cultural initiatives in San Luis Obispo County, visit ARTS
Obispo’s web site at www.sloartscouncil.org.
Copyright 2017 by Americans for the Arts (www.AmericansForTheArts.org).
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 3
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The newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) report is a comprehensive economic and
social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. Building on a 30-year legacy
as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 presents detailed findings from 373 regions
across all 50 states and Puerto Rico—spanning communities from 4,000 to 4 million residents, and
representing rural, suburban, and urban areas alike.
While San Luis Obispo County did not participate in AEP6, the report includes a tool to estimate
local impact. Using this calculator, projections for SLOMA alone indicate an estimated $3 million in
annual audience spending directly supporting local businesses, and nearly $5 million in total
yearly economic activity within the City of San Luis Obispo.
Definitions:
Total Expenditures:
The total dollars spent by your nonprofit arts and cultural organization and its audiences; event-related spending by cultural
audiences is estimated using the average dollars spent per person, per event by cultural attendees in similarly populated
communities.
Jobs (Employment):
Employment data in IMPLAN is an annual average headcount of full time, part time, and seasonal employment. Note that a
person can hold more than one job, so the job count is not necessarily the same as the count of employed persons. While
IMPLAN employment adjusts for seasonality, it does not indicate the number of hours worked per day. It is not, therefore,
equal to full time equivalents. This is the same definition used by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Economic
Accounts and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Employment and Wages.
Household Income:
The total dollars paid to community residents as a result of the expenditures made by your arts and cultural organization and/
or its audiences. Household income includes salaries, wages, and entrepreneurial income paid to residents. It is the money
residents earn and use to pay for food, shelter, utilities, and other living expenses.
Government Revenue:
The total dollars received by local, state and federal governments as a result of the expenditures made by your arts and
cultural organization and/or its audiences. Government revenue includes revenue from local and state taxes (e.g., income,
sales, lodging, real estate, personal property) as well as funds from license fees, utility fees, filing fees, and other similar
sources. Local government revenue includes funds to governmental units such as city, county, township, and school districts,
and other special districts.
When using estimates derived from this calculator, always keep the following caveats in mind: (1) the results of this analysis
are based upon the averages of similarly populated communities, (2) a unique input-output model was customized for each
of these similarly populated communities, providing very specific employment, household income, and government revenue
data, and (3) your results are therefore estimates, and should not be used as a substitute for conducting an economic impact
study that is customized for your community.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 4
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2. Expansion Feasibility Report & Attendance Projections
From 2022–2023, Lord Cultural Resources (LCR) worked with SLOMA’s staff, board, and members
of our community to complete a feasibility study for a new building at our current site at 1010 Broad
Street. The report compared similar markets and institutions to formulate projections for operations
and engagement. LCR projected that SLOMA would attain an annual attendance average of
106,200 (see excerpt below). While this figure is based on SLOMA’s current space on Broad Street
and does not include updated estimates based on Higuera Street’s foot traffic of about 2.4 million/
year, we have included this data as a conservative estimate of our projected attendance.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused Feasibility Study: Final Report
Making the World a Better Place Through Culture Lord Cultural Resources 64
At this stage of planning, the capital and project cost estimates total about $54.8 million.
This includes construction and demolition costs, other capital costs and contingencies
and escalations to the construction bid period in the first quarter of 2028, with assumed
construction completion by 2030.
In addition to demolition and construction costs, the capital costs include an allowance
for furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as professional and other fees. There is
also a preliminary allowance of $2 million for development of a sculpture park, taking site
development uncertainties into account, and the acquisition of works of art for the park.
Project costs also include an assumed endowment growth of $1 million.
Among the exclusions at this stage are site development costs that may be beyond a
basic level as well as pre-opening fundraising and other costs. The detailed capital and
project cost estimates are found in Appendix C of this report.
7.2 ATTENDANCE, OPERATING REVENUE AND
EXPENSE PROJECTIONS
Set out here are our projections of attendance, operating revenues and expenses for the
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) assuming implementation of the
plans/assumptions associated with its larger new facility in the directed Ideal Scenario.
The projections take into account the contextual, comparables and market analyses in
Chapters 2 and 3, the strategic directions in Chapter 4 and the facility and operational
recommendations/assumptions in Chapters 5 and 6, as well as the judgment and
experience of the consultants.
7.2.1 ON-SITE ATTENDANCE PROJECTIONS
The focus in this section is on-site attendance projections associated with the expanded
SLOMA facility based on agreed assumptions, benchmarking data and the judgment and
experience of the consultants.
To estimate the number of visitors likely to attend the future SLOMA first requires a
reasonable definition of who would or would not be defined as a visitor. For the purposes
of this analysis, a visitor is someone who attends an exhibition or program within the
museum, including those who attend venue rentals. This definition excludes persons who
only use the gift shop or who are outdoors for events or to walk the sculpture park but do
not enter the museum. The definition of a visitor also excludes staff and volunteers,
service, and delivery people and those who access SLOMA through the internet or
through outreach to schools or other community facilities. It is on-site attendance by actual
visitors.
It is also important to emphasize that there is no simple computer formula that leads to
accurate attendance projections. While there are ratios and formulas that have been used,
including from the experience of comparable or similar institutions, all quantitative methods
have weaknesses. And it is important to note, in utilizing data from other museums, that
there are a variety of definitions of what constitutes a visitor and no complete certainty that
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused Feasibility Study: Final Report
Making the World a Better Place Through Culture Lord Cultural Resources 64
At this stage of planning, the capital and project cost estimates total about $54.8 million.
This includes construction and demolition costs, other capital costs and contingencies
and escalations to the construction bid period in the first quarter of 2028, with assumed
construction completion by 2030.
In addition to demolition and construction costs, the capital costs include an allowance
for furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as professional and other fees. There is
also a preliminary allowance of $2 million for development of a sculpture park, taking site
development uncertainties into account, and the acquisition of works of art for the park.
Project costs also include an assumed endowment growth of $1 million.
Among the exclusions at this stage are site development costs that may be beyond a
basic level as well as pre-opening fundraising and other costs. The detailed capital and
project cost estimates are found in Appendix C of this report.
7.2 ATTENDANCE, OPERATING REVENUE AND
EXPENSE PROJECTIONS
Set out here are our projections of attendance, operating revenues and expenses for the
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) assuming implementation of the
plans/assumptions associated with its larger new facility in the directed Ideal Scenario.
The projections take into account the contextual, comparables and market analyses in
Chapters 2 and 3, the strategic directions in Chapter 4 and the facility and operational
recommendations/assumptions in Chapters 5 and 6, as well as the judgment and
experience of the consultants.
7.2.1 ON-SITE ATTENDANCE PROJECTIONS
The focus in this section is on-site attendance projections associated with the expanded
SLOMA facility based on agreed assumptions, benchmarking data and the judgment and
experience of the consultants.
To estimate the number of visitors likely to attend the future SLOMA first requires a
reasonable definition of who would or would not be defined as a visitor. For the purposes
of this analysis, a visitor is someone who attends an exhibition or program within the
museum, including those who attend venue rentals. This definition excludes persons who
only use the gift shop or who are outdoors for events or to walk the sculpture park but do
not enter the museum. The definition of a visitor also excludes staff and volunteers,
service, and delivery people and those who access SLOMA through the internet or
through outreach to schools or other community facilities. It is on-site attendance by actual
visitors.
It is also important to emphasize that there is no simple computer formula that leads to
accurate attendance projections. While there are ratios and formulas that have been used,
including from the experience of comparable or similar institutions, all quantitative methods
have weaknesses. And it is important to note, in utilizing data from other museums, that
there are a variety of definitions of what constitutes a visitor and no complete certainty that
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 5
Page 418 of 444
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused Feasibility Study: Final Report
Making the World a Better Place Through Culture Lord Cultural Resources 65
the comparative attendance figures reported are accurate. The ratios and benchmarks
nonetheless help to inform our judgment in preparing the attendance projections for the
future SLOMA.
Ratios For On-Site Attendance Projections
The quantitative methods used to help inform the attendance projections for the future
SLOMA are as follows.
Extrapolation from Base Level SLOMA Figures Based on Exhibition Space Growth
In 2019, SLOMA operated more like a commercial art gallery than an art museum, so its
estimated 30,000 attendance figure is less reliable than the 50,000 visitors initially
expected in 2023 to serve as the base level for the attendance projections, based on free
admission. However, we have lowered the attendance estimate to 45,000 as the base
level for the purposes of these projections taking more recent considerations into account.
The size of the exhibition space did not change from 2019 to 2023 and is 3.814 net sq. ft.
Using the 45,000 base level attendance figure leads to a ratio of about 11.8 visitors per net
sq. ft. of exhibition space.
The assumption is that the Ideal Scenario expansion of SLOMA facility will increase the
total exhibition space to 9,000 net sq. ft. Applying the same ratio of visitors per square foot
exhibition space leads to an estimate of about 106,200 visitors in a stabilized year of
operation, assumed to be Year 3.
Extrapolations From Selected Comparable Art Museums
Chapter 2.2 includes detailed attendance, facility, operational and financial data as
reported by three non-collecting and three collecting art museums/institutes. The
attendance data used largely pre-COVID data regarding the six are set out below leading
to ratios for the stabilized Year 3 of the future SLOMA facility and operation based both on
the size of exhibition space and the size of the regional population. Average and median
figures are set out and we have used the midpoint between those figures as the basis for
the ratios.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 6
Page 419 of 444
3. Citywide Economic Development & Placemaking
In July 2023, the City Council adopted an updated Economic Development Strategic Plan
EDSP), aimed at advancing the economic vitality of San Luis Obispo. The plan outlines strategies
to strengthen the City’s economic development initiatives while embedding the principles of
sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also emphasizes retaining existing businesses,
expanding the arts and culture scene, and enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown.
The second pillar of the plan, Placemaking & Promotion, specifically highlights strengthening
the City’s working relationships with, and financial support of, the arts community as a key
strategy for enriching cultural offerings and economic development throughout San Luis Obispo.
For the 2023 Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP), the plan framework has been updated to respond to the
dramatic changes that have taken place in the intervening years, both in terms of the City’s internal efforts and the
external economic development landscape.
MISSION STATEMENT
Promote, encourage, and enhance an economic environment that is dynamic and resilient with a
focus on sustainable and equitable policies, programs, and processes.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
ECONOMIC
RESILIENCE
Maintaining a
dynamic economic
and business
environment.
EQUITABLE
INCLUSIVE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Expanding economic
opportunities for
all residents and
businesses in San
Luis Obispo.
SUSTAINABLE
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Ensuring economic
vitality through
climate and
system focused
sustainable growth.
HOLISTIC
APPROACH
Enhancing internal
and external
collaboration
for effective
execution and
implementation.
REGIONAL
COLLABORATION
Expanding
partnerships with
organizations across
the region.
MAJOR PILLARS
BUSINESS &
ENTREPRENEUR VITALITY
Improving the local business
environment and helping
entrepreneurs to thrive, adapt,
innovate, and grow in the face of
challenges and opportunities.
PLACEMAKING &
PROMOTION
Maintaining the city’s quality of
place while increasing awareness
of local amenities and fostering
a sense of inclusion among
residents and visitors.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT
ATTRACTION
Supporting initiatives that
develop the skills needed to
secure quality jobs as well as
attract and retain a skilled and
diverse workforce.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTSTRATEGICPLANUPDATE
PREPARED FOR THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 7
Page 420 of 444
STRATEGIES
PILLAR 1
BUSINESS &
ENTREPRENEUR
VITALITY
1.1. BUSINESS RETENTION &
EXPANSION. Develop a proactive
and targeted approach to identify
and address the needs of existing
businesses, while creating an
environment that fosters growth and
innovation.
1.2. ENTREPRENEURIAL SUPPORT.
Continue to bolster the
entrepreneurial ecosystem by
improving access to resources,
education, and networks for
entrepreneurs.
1.3. BUSINESS PREPAREDNESS,
SUSTAINABILITY & RESILIENCY.
Implement disaster preparedness
measures that enhance the City’s
ability to respond to economic
disruptions and effectively support
business recovery following natural
disasters.
1.4. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.
Continue to support the small business
community to sustain growth.
1.5. BUSINESS SUPPORT
INFRASTRUCTURE. Maintain efforts to
develop and grow business support
infrastructure and tools.
PILLAR 2
PLACEMAKING
PROMOTION
2.1. QUALITY OF PLACE PROMOTION.
Bolster efforts to promote the City
as an appealing destination for all
people to live, work, visit, and invest.
2.2. WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT.
Create an inclusive and friendly
environment for residents, workers,
and visitors.
2.3. DOWNTOWN VITALITY. Continue
to support and maintain a vibrant
and dynamic urban core that attracts
people and businesses.
2.4. CULTURAL VITALITY. Strengthen
working relationships with and
maintain financial support of the
arts community to enrich the cultural
offerings throughout the City.
2.5. INCLUSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD
PLANNING. Encourage inclusive
neighborhood planning efforts that
benefit residents and encourage both
housing production and economic
activity.
PILLAR 3
TALENT
DEVELOPMENT
ATTRACTION
3.1. SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT.
Encourage the continued
strengthening of the system to create
Moderate Income + jobs.
3.2. EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE
INTEGRATION. Develop
methodologies, tools, and programs
to welcome and acclimate new
employers and employees to the
community.
3.3. TALENT ATTRACTION AND
RETENTION. Position the City as
not just a place to visit but also a
desirable location to live and work.
3.4. EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS.
Leverage educational partnerships
to create and grow pathways
to Moderate Income+ jobs that
strengthen the local economy.
View the full plan and future updates online at
https://www.slocity.org/business/economic-development/economic-development-strategic-plan.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 8
Page 421 of 444
4. Downtown Development & Cultural Anchors
The City of SLO engaged Resonance Consultancy to create a Downtown SLO Development
Recommendations report in 2021. The report explores residential, commercial, and public investment
opportunities with local stakeholders as part of a Downtown Future Forum visioning workshop. The
City’s own report identified Cultural Institutions like SLOMA as a major asset, as they offer
unique activities to residents and visitors, and are a significant draw for attracting more people
downtown. The report also listed the Cultural District as a major opportunity for promoting SLO’s
unique cultural scene throughout the region.
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CULTURAL
INSTITUTIONS
The museums and theaters located
downtown offer unique activities to
residents and visitors, and are a significant
draw for attracting more people
downtown.
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CULTURAL
DISTRICT
The concentration of cultural institutions
and venues is an opportunity to promote
SLO’s cultural scene in the region.
50
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 9
Page 422 of 444
The Downtown SLO Development Recommendations report specifically singled out the San Luis
Obispo Museum of Art’s expansion as a major opportunity for Downtown SLO’s economic and
cultural development.
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SLO MUSEUM OF
ART EXPANSION
An expansion of the Museum of Art could
act as a catalyst for cultural programming
in Downtown SLO.
51
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 10
Page 423 of 444
5. The Creative Economy
The 2025 Economic Impact of the Arts & Culture Sector report, created in collaboration with SLO
County Arts, the City of El Paso de Robles, and the City of San Luis Obispo, detailed the immense
impact of the arts and culture sector on the economies of SLO County. Countywide, arts and
culture organizations like SLOMA contributed to “$291.1 million in visitor spending, yielding
a total economic impact of $478.7 million, supporting 5,163 jobs countywide.” The City of San
Luis Obispo alone received $99 million in arts-related spending with a total impact of $163 million.
The study also found that the role of local government and community support for arts and culture
organizations was a significant point of discussion among focus groups, with participants specifically
calling for increased government funding of the arts.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 11
Page 424 of 444
6. The Rise of the Experiential Economy
A 2025 Cushman & Wakefield study (The Rise of the Experiential Economy) found that thriving
downtowns depend on experience-focused anchors such as museums, theaters, and cultural centers.
These anchors typically represent less than two percent of urban real estate but they generate
roughly one-quarter of total foot traffic in thriving downtowns.
In other words, SLOMA’s planned expansion requires a relatively small investment that
will generate a significant, positive impact for our region in general, and downtown SLO in
particular.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 12
Page 425 of 444
7. Workforce Expansion
Currently, SLOMA has a staff of 9 talented individuals (4 FT, 5 PT), with an annual payroll of about
530,000. Based on the recommendations of the 2023 Feasibility Study by Lord Cultural Resources,
we expect to almost double our professional staff within the first year (Table A). Seasonal
contractors including exhibiting artists, teaching artists, and department interns are listed in Table B.
A. SLOMA Employees (Current + New)
B. Artists, Art Educators, and Interns
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 13
Page 426 of 444
8. Arts Education: New Programming Projections
Current space limitations restrict both the scope of our programming and our community’s access to
arts education. Transforming SLOMA’s existing facility at 1010 Broad Street into a dedicated
Education Center will significantly expand our education capacity, allowing us to collaborate
with more educational partners, grow current offerings, and introduce new programs for youth and
adults including summer camps, after-school classes, and workshops.
The following projection outlines anticipated Year 1 program participation numbers for youth
programming, with the majority of participants hailing from San Luis Obispo and neighboring cities.
Importantly, all youth programs will include scholarships and financial assistance for low-income
families, ensuring that our educational opportunities remain fully accessible to ALL. SLOMA’s free
youth education programs, like our popular Second Saturdays events and school tours, will continue.
Projections are based on comparable institutions and current enrollment in SLOMA’s existing
programs.
C. New Youth Programming: Engagement Projections
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 14
Page 427 of 444
9. Artist Renderings: Introducing the New San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Walk through the galleries of SLOMA’s new home on Higuera.
Preliminary rendering: Higuera Street entrance
Lobby (center) with a museum gift shop (left)
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 15
Page 428 of 444
Trust Automation Gallery, with views and access to a creekside patio overlooking Mission Plaza
The second of four beautiful galleries capable of exhibiting a variety of artistic media
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 16
Page 429 of 444
Another spotlight gallery and a dramatic alcove for hanging art installations
The creekside patio overlooking historic Mission Plaza will be a community asset and the perfect spot
for artist talks, small performances, civic dialogues, and cultural celebrations
Renderings by RRM DesignGroupSanLuisObispoMuseumofArt — Grant Request Appendix 17
Page 430 of 444
10. Digital Sources: Links
We have included links to content available online and referenced in this Appendix.
1a. Americans for the Arts’ Arts & Economic Prosperity reports, 5th edition
Source: https://www.americansforthearts.org/sites/default/files/pdf/2017/by_program/reports_and_
data/aep5/map/CA_SanLuisObispoCounty_AEP5_OnePageSummary.pdf
1b. Arts & Economic Prosperity: 6th edition organizational calculator
Source: https://aep6.americansforthearts.org/calculator
2. City of SLO’s Economic Development Strategic Plan
Source: https://www.slocity.org/business/economic-development/economic-development-strate-
gic-plan
3. Downtown SLO Development Recommendations, 2021
Source: https://www.slocity.org/home/showpublisheddocument/30130/637557419326730000
4. 2025 Economic Impact of the Arts & Culture Sector report
Source: https://slocountyarts.org/creative-economy-report
5. The Rise of the Experiential Economy
Source: https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/the-rise-of-the-experien-
tial-economy
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art — Grant Request Appendix 18
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Making the World a Better Place Through Culture
San Luis Obispo
Museum of Art
(SLOMA)
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused
Feasibility Study
Final Report
Prepared by:
Lord Cultural Resources
Cost+Plus
February 2024
Page 433 of 444
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused Feasibility Study: Final Report
Lord Cultural Resources is a global professional practice
dedicated to making the world a better place through culture.
We assist people, communities, and organizations to realize
and enhance cultural meaning and expression.
We distinguish ourselves through a comprehensive and
integrated full-service offering built on a foundation of key
competencies: visioning, planning and implementation.
We value and believe in cultural expression as essential for
all people. We conduct ourselves with respect for
collaboration, local adaptation and cultural diversity,
embodying the highest standards of integrity, ethics and
professional practice.
We help clients clarify their goals; we provide them with the
tools to achieve those goals; and we leave a legacy as a
result of training and collaboration.
Our Toronto office is located within the traditional territory of
many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the
Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the
Wendat peoples. Our New York office is located on the
traditional lands of the Lenape peoples. Our Long Beach
office is located on the land of the Tongva/Gabrieleño and
the Acjachemen/Juaneño Nations, who have lived and
continue to live here.
We encourage you to acknowledge the presence of the
people who came before, wherever you are.
Page 434 of 444
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused Feasibility Study: Final Report
Making the World a Better Place Through Culture Lord Cultural Resources 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This operations-focused feasibility study is intended to provide the foundation for a
subsequent fundraising feasibility study, detailed architectural design, and then a capital
fundraising campaign to lead to a long anticipated and needed new building for the San
Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA) at its existing site. The current building has a wide
variety of deficiencies and its small size limits opportunities to display more works of art,
offer additional community programming, and to generate revenue from venue rentals
and other earned income sources.
The recommendations in this feasibility study take into account the experience of
comparable art museums, especially those without permanent collections, as well as
other existing museums in and near San Luis Obispo. The recommendations also
emerge from an analysis of the existing SLOMA operation, and of potential resident,
school and tourist markets for San Luis Obispo and SLOMA in particular. And the
recommendations take into account feedback and direction from internal workshops, an
external interview process, the SLOMA strategic plan, and the judgment and experience
of the consultant team.
The SLOMA Board-approved recommendations became assumptions for a new SLOMA
facility and operation that in turn became the basis for capital cost estimates and
projections of attendance, operating revenues and expenses for the future SLOMA.
Among the key assumptions are the following points:
Key Assumptions for Future SLOMA
• SLOMA will remain a non-collecting institution for the foreseeable future. This helps
to limit the size of the building and the capital and operating cost requirements.
• The SLOMA brand will be retained.
• The start of construction will be in 2028, which will be tied to the 60th anniversary of
SLOMA, with the opening of the new building in 2030.
• At this pre-design stage, the net useable square footage for the new building is
assumed to be 19,250 net square feet (nsf), of which 9,000 nsf will be
gallery/exhibition space, compared to the current 3,814 nsf of exhibition space. The
new building will also include a multi-purpose space for programs, events and venue
Page 435 of 444
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused Feasibility Study: Final Report
Making the World a Better Place Through Culture Lord Cultural Resources 3
rentals and a classroom/artmaking space. Other assumptions include more building
and exhibit support and additional office space.
• The total building size at this pre-design stage of planning is 26,950 gross square
feet, which takes into account circulation, mechanical and electrical spaces, as well
as wall thicknesses.
• The larger SLOMA facility and more exhibitions, public programs, venue rentals and
other revenue generation will require a growth in the SLOMA staff from the current
6.5 FTE to 12.5 FTE.
• Rather than the current completely free admission, the assumption is that visitors in
the future will be asked to “pay what you can.” This will still allow for free admission
to those who believe they cannot afford to pay, but also encourage many visitors to
value their experience in SLOMA by donating to it.
• With additional spaces and staff, more substantial earned income will be generated
from admissions, venue rentals, retail sales, including an integrated coffee bar,
artmaking and other public programs, There will also be additional revenues from
memberships, donations and sponsorships and the seeking of additional operating
funds from government sources.
• The capital campaign for the new SLOMA will include raising an additional $1 million
in endowment principal. Ideally, the capital fundraising campaign will include a larger
endowment amount.
Capital/Project Costs
At this stage of planning, the capital and project cost estimates total about $54.8 million.
This includes construction and demolition costs, other capital costs and contingencies
and escalations to the construction bid period in the first quarter of 2028, with assumed
construction completion by 2030.
In addition to demolition and construction costs, the capital costs include an allowance
for furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as professional and other fees. There is
also a preliminary allowance of $2 million for development of a sculpture park, taking site
development uncertainties into account, and the acquisition of works of art for the park.
Project costs also include an assumed endowment growth of $1 million.
Attendance, Operating Revenue and Expense Projections
On-site attendance levels are estimated to be a stabilized 75,000 annual visitors.
Attendance figures will be higher in the opening two years, especially in Year 1 when the
curiosity factor and media coverage lead to a projected attendance of 90,000 annual
visitors compared to the current 45,000.
The total annual operating budget, in 2024 dollars, is estimated to grow from close to $1
million to the $2.1 to $2.2 million range, which is similar to those of comparable art
museums. Earned income levels are projected to stabilize in the range of 32% of
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San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
New Building Facilities and Operations Focused Feasibility Study: Final Report
Making the World a Better Place Through Culture Lord Cultural Resources 4
operating revenues, which is also within the common range, compared to the current
level of about 11%.
After taking operating expenses into account the gap between earned income plus base
level figures for private and government support and the operating expenses of the
future SLOMA, the additional amount required to break even on operations from private
and government sources is projected to be in the range of $424,000 to $490,000 per
year.
The projections reflect the reality that a substantially expanded and enhanced SLOMA
will lead to better service to the community and region and result in increased
attendance and earned income, but higher staffing and other operating costs will exceed
the revenues that may be generated.
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1 | P a g e
GRANT AGREEMENT
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART
This agreement dated February___2026 is between SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF
ART, a California non-profit corporation (“SLOMA”) and CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO,
a California Municipal Corporation and Charter City (“CITY”) (the “Grant Agreement”)
with reference to the following:
WHEREAS, SLOMA is a long-term lessee of CITY property at 1010 Broad Street located
at the corner of Monterey Street and Broad Street, San Luis Obispo, adjacent to Mission
Plaza and within CITY’s planned Cultural Arts District, which is the site of the current San
Luis Obispo Museum of Art (“1010 Broad Street”); and
WHEREAS, CITY and SLOMA have an existing Community Partnership Agreement for
the administration of public art, which notes the mutually beneficial relationship between
CITY and SLOMA as a way to continue to advance the visual arts, art education, and foster
a strong artistic community in San Luis Obispo; and
WHEREAS, SLOMA issued a written letter request and submitted its Proposal for
Supporting the Future San Luis Obispo Museum of Art: A New Home in the Heart of
Downtown (“Proposal”) to City Council on October 30, 2025, which describes SLOMA’s
plans to expand from 1010 Broad Street by bringing together three existing storefront
properties on Higuera Street between Chorro and Garden (the “New Museum”), while
also maintaining and featuring connectivity to the creek walk, Mission Plaza, and the
Cultural Arts District; and
WHEREAS, SLOMA's proposal indicates that the total project would be implemented
in two phases. SLOMA proposal requested that the City Council consider total funding
of $2.5 million, of which $500,000 would be used for the first phase to imme diately
furnish and activate the new museum space, while the remaining $2 million would be
used towards the eventual purchase of the property at a later time; and
WHEREAS, at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 4, 2025, the City Council
considered the 2024-25 Year End Budget Report, and as per SLOMA’s request, also
directed staff to assign funds in the amount of $500,000 as part of the 2nd Quarter 2025-26
Budget Report and further directed staff to prepare this Grant Agreement to be used for
Phase 1 of the project, while also directing staff to “include terms that would commit the
City to providing funding of some kind toward Phase 2 of the project, subject to further
analysis and discussion at a public meeting and with funding allocations determined during
future budget actions.” (Council Minutes for November 4, 2025, approved November 18,
2025); and
WHEREAS, CITY’s financial support towards implementation of the New Museum being
pursued by SLOMA is intended to provide both necessary financial support as well as serve
to motivate and catalyze other funders and donors in furtherance of SLOMA’s overall
capital campaign and fundraising goals for the New Museum; and
WHEREAS, the New Museum will ultimately be available to both residents of the City and
visitors alike, thereby serving public purposes in furtherance of CITY’s goals for facilitating
Page 439 of 444
2 | P a g e
both arts and cultural amenities, as well as contributing to a thriving and prosperous
downtown area through economic development activities, and
WHEREAS, SLOMA’s plans to expand from 1010 Broad Street and implement the New
Museum are consistent with CITY’s Land Use Element of the General Plan (2014),
Downtown Concept Plan (2017), Economic Development Strategic Plan (2023), and
CITY’s Major City Goal for “Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience and Fiscal
Sustainability” adopted as part of the 2025-27 Financial Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, CITY and SLOMA for and in consideration of the mutual benefits,
promises and agreements set forth herein, do agree as follows:
1. Phase I Implementation
On or before the date that is three (3) years following the execution of this Grant Agreement,
SLOMA shall complete construction of Phase 1 of the New Museum. SLOMA’s failure to
comply with this term may result in amendment in accordance with Paragraph 8, provided
substantial progress or extenuating circumstances can be documented, or termination of this
Grant Agreement as provided herein.
2. Grant Amount and Allowed Expenses
City agrees to pay SLOMA a one-time only grant on a reimbursement basis, as provided in
Section 4, in an amount up to $500,000 (“Grant Funds”), to be used towards implementation
and activation of the New Museum, subject to the conditions set forth herein. The Grant
Funds shall only be used for costs directly related to Phase 1 of the New Museum as
specified below.
CITY’s Grant Funds may only be used for “soft” costs, or expense items that are not
considered direct construction costs, such as the purchase of furniture and other items
supporting the operations and maintenance of the New Museum (“Eligible Costs”). If there
is a dispute about whether a project cost is an Eligible Cost, CITY shall have final
determination of whether the cost is an Eligible Cost.
SLOMA acknowledges and represents that the Grant Funds will not be used for construction
of any element of the New Museum, including any architectural, engineering, direct
construction, demolition, or alteration costs defined as contractor expenses for labor, project
management, installation, materials, equipment, utilities and other direct construction costs.
3. Conditions Precedent to Funding
SLOMA shall satisfy the following required conditions prior to any disbursement of Grant
Funds by CITY. With respect to any requested reimbursement, SLOMA shall:
a. Maintain its 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
b. Shall secure all other grant funds, donations, pledges, or financing necessary to
complete Phase 1 of the New Museum, inclusive of the amount of Grant Funds
provided by the CITY pursuant to this Grant Agreement, and shall first utilize (or
provide for first utilizing) all other grant funds, donations, or financing then available
(collectively “Other Available Funding”) for the New Museum prior to any request
for reimbursement from CITY. However, SLOMA’s initial reimbursement request
for Grant Funds may be made prior to complete exhaustion of Other Available
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Funding, as necessary, to ensure continued availability of funding to complete the
New Museum.
c. Secure all necessary project entitlements and building permit(s) for Phase 1 of the
New Museum that may be applicable as further described in Paragraph 6, below.
d. Submit for CITY review and approval a fundraising plan demonstrating project
feasibility, including cost estimating and project schedule.
e. Submit for CITY review and approval forecasted budgets for the first three years of
operating the New Museum demonstrating a fiscally sustainable business model.
f. Identify additional public benefits associated with the New Museum that can
reasonably be facilitated and implemented, such as public art in the creek walk area
or similar.
4. Reimbursement Requests
Upon satisfaction of the conditions identified in Section 3, reimbursement payment requests
for Eligible Costs shall be submitted to CITY’s Deputy City Manager. Reimbursement
payment requests shall include supporting documentation including itemized invoices or
other evidence that supports the request. Reimbursement payment requests may be
submitted on a bi-monthly (twice per month) basis and will be reviewed and approved for
reimbursement by the CITY in a timely manner, and CITY will make best efforts to process
and pay reimbursement requests within fifteen (15) business days from the date of such
payment request, provided that sufficient documentation supporting the reimbursement
request is provided to CITY. Sufficiency of payment documentation shall be in the sole but
reasonable discretion of the CITY and CITY reserves the right to request and receive
additional reasonable documentation to support SLOMA’s reimbursement requests and as
may be appropriate to aid in City’s determination of whether the requested reimbursement
payment is for an Eligible Cost.
5. Use of Grant Funds at Other Sites
If SLOMA determines that implementation of Phase 1 of the New Museum at the specified
site is impractical or inadvisable for any reason, then SLOMA may not use the Grant Funds
for any other purpose without prior written approval of the City Council.
6. Permits
SLOMA shall apply for and obtain all necessary building and other related permits and
project entitlements necessary to implement the New Museum in conformance with local,
state, and federal laws. This Grant Agreement does not authorize the construction or tenant
improvement of the New Museum or otherwise alter, impact, or interfere with the exercise
of CITY’s independent regulatory and land use authority.
7. Funding Source Recognition
SLOMA will ensure recognition of the role of CITY in providing funding through this Grant
Agreement. CITY shall be identified as a funding source in all applicable publications, press
releases, social media outreach and similar fundraising promotions.
8. Amendments and Phase 2 Funding
CITY and SLOMA may amend this Grant Agreement at any time provided that such
amendments make specific reference to this Grant Agreement, and are executed in writing,
signed by a duly authorized representative of each organization, and approved by the City
Council. Such amendments will not invalidate this Grant Agreement, nor relieve or release
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either CITY or SLOMA from its obligations under this Grant Agreement, except as
expressly provided in writing in any such duly executed amendments.
It is expressly anticipated that this Grant Agreement may be amended to provide additional
funding support towards Phase 2 of the New Museum expansion project, as that Phase is
defined and described in SLOMA’s Proposal. To be considered for future Phase 2 funding,
at a minimum SLOMA shall:
a. Satisfactorily complete and be in good standing with CITY for all items listed under
Paragraphs 3 and 9, herein.
b. Submit a detailed Phase 2 project description and supportive justification for the funding
request.
c. Submit sufficient due diligence items suitable for CITY’s review to ensure any
expenditure of public funds is appropriately supported and documented.
CITY shall have no obligation whatsoever to enact and approve an amendment to provide
additional funding of any amount, which is subject to the actual availability of funds at the
time a request is made and is within the then-seated City Council’s sole discretion.
9. Quarterly Reports and Financial Assurance
SLOMA shall provide quarterly reports on both Phase 1 of the New Museum and the
ongoing operations and activation of 1010 Broad Street, including the use of CITY Grant
Funds, if any, during the reporting period. These reports shall be due at the end of the first
month after the end of the calendar quarter (i.e. January, April, July, and September) and
submitted to the Deputy City Manager. The quarterly reports should include percentage of
completion, other available funding on hand or then receivable, and work anticipated to be
completed in the following quarter. CITY reserves the right to request and receive copies
of invoices, account statements, or audits of SLOMA’s financial records pertinent to
implementation of Phase 1 of the New Museum and in CITY’s sole discretion, to withhold
reimbursement payments until satisfactory reports and supporting documentation are
received.
10. Assignability
SLOMA shall not assign or transfer any interest in this Grant Agreement without the prior
written consent of the City Council.
11. Conflict of Interest
No member of the CITY’s governing body and no other public official of such locality, who
exercises any functions or responsibilities in connection with the planning or carrying out
of the New Museum project, will have any personal financial interest, direct or indirect, in
this Grant Agreement. SLOMA will also take any and all steps and enact appropriate
policies to assure compliance.
12. Severability
If any provision of this Grant Agreement is held invalid, the remainder of the Grant
Agreement will not be affected thereby and all other parts of this Grant Agreement will
nevertheless remain in full force and effect.
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13. Entire Agreement
This Grant Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between CITY and SLOMA for the
use of funds received under this Grant Agreement and shall supersede all prior
communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written between CITY and
SLOMA with respect to this Grant Agreement.
14. No Agency or Employment
SLOMA is solely responsible for all activities supported by this Grant Agreement. Nothing
in this Grant Agreement creates a partnership, agency, joint venture, employment, or any
other type of relationship between SLOMA and CITY. SLOMA shall not represent itself as
an agent of CITY for any purpose and has no authority to bind CITY in any manner
whatsoever. SLOMA and all of its agents, representatives, or participants in any manner in
the performance of its obligations and duties hereunder, shall be employees, independent
contractors, or volunteers solely of SLOMA. They shall not for any purpose be considered
employees or agents of CITY.
15. Indemnification
SLOMA agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to defend, indemnify, and hold
harmless CITY its officers, directors, affiliates, employees, and agents (“City
Indemnitees”), from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses and expenses
(including reasonable attorney’s fees) directly, indirectly, wholly or partially arising from
or in connection with any act or omission of SLOMA, its employees or agents, in applying
for, accepting, or use of the Grant Funds, or in carrying out the New Museum project as set
forth. In the event the City Indemnitees are made a party to any action, lawsuit, or other
adversarial proceeding arising from SLOMA’s performance under this Grant Agreement,
SLOMA shall provide a defense to the City Indemnitees or at the City’s option, reimburse
the City Indemnitees their costs of defense, including reasonable legal fees, incurred in
defense of such claims.
16. Termination
The City Manager may, within reasonable discretion, initiate termination of this Grant
Agreement in the event of any material breach of the terms of this Grant Agreement by
SLOMA. Material breach includes breach of Sections 1-7, 9 and 15 of this Grant
Agreement, but does not include minor delays in reporting or other delays in obligations set
forth herein caused through no fault of SLOMA, as well as administrative or clerical errors
made in good faith. Upon the City Manager’s written notice of breach, SLOMA shall have
forty-five (45) calendar days to cure any such breach (the “Notice of Breach”). Should
SLOMA fail to cure or provide documentation of substantial progress towards curing such
breach within forty-five (45) calendar days of the date of the Notice of Breach, the City
Manager shall provide written notice of termination of this Grant Agreement (the “Notice
of Termination”). Said termination shall be effective thirty (30) calendar days after the City
Manager mails the Notice of Termination to SLOMA. Any remaining Grant Funds in excess
of then unpaid Eligible Costs, as defined in Section 2, actually incurred as of the date of
notice of termination shall revert to CITY upon the effective date of termination.
17. Notices
For purposes of notice under this Grant Agreement, all notices shall be considered effective
upon being sent by certified mail to the following addresses:
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CITY:
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Attn: City Manager
SLOMA:
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
1010 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Attn: Executive Director
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
By:
Whitney McDonald
City Manager
SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART, A CALIFORNIA NON-PROFIT
CORPORATION
By: ___________
Leann Standish
Executive Director
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By:
Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
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San Luis Obispo Museum of Art
Draft Grant Agreement
City Council Meeting –February 17, 2026
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Recommendation
Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled,“A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
finding that a Grant Agreement with the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is of public benefit in
accordance with California Government Code Section 53083 and approving the Grant Agreement”to:
1.Find that a Grant Agreement serves the public interest of the City of San Luis Obispo by
advancing arts and culture,economic development,and other public benefits;and
2.Approve the Grant Agreement between the City of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo
Museum of Art and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in a final form satisfactory to
the City Attorney.
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New Museum Renderings
Higuera Street Perspetive
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New Museum Renderings
Museum Gallery Interior Perspective
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New Museum Renderings
Museum Gallery Interior Perspective
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New Museum Renderings
Museum Exterior Patio Perspective
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Policy Context & Background
Policy Context
•Land Use Element of the General Plan (2014)
•San Luis Obispo Downtown Concept Plan (2017)
•Economic Development Strategic Plan (2023)
•Major City Goal: “Cultural Vitality, Economic Resilience, Fiscal Sustainability (2025-27)
•Economic Development Subsidy requirements, California Government Code, Section 53083.
Background
•City and SLOMA have public / private partnership that stretches back over 60 years
•SLOMA existing museum spaces leases City property at 1010 Broad Street
•Over the past five years, SLOMA has built a strong staff and Board and has investigated its needs for assembling a
contemporary museum space of sufficient size and characteristics to meet their needs
•SLOMA submitted to the City Council its Proposal for Supporting the Future San Luis Obispo Museum of Art: A New Home
in the Heart of Downtown, which describes a new, expanded museum space occupying 24,000 square feet across three
existing storefronts along Higuera Street with connectivity to the creek walk and Cultural Arts District
•On November 4, 2025, Council directed staff to return with a draft Grant Agreement for $500,000 is support of Phase 1.
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Key Highlights of Lease Agreement
1.The Grant Agreement is for a three-year term for Phase 1 implementation.
2.The City’s funds are a one-time grant of up to $500,000, paid on a reimbursement basis, to be used for eligible soft costs
only.
3.SLOMA shall secure all other project funds for Phase 1, all necessary project entitlements and building permits, and shall
submit to the City a fundraising plan and three-year budget forecast demonstrating project feasibility.
4.SLOMA shall identify additional public benefits, such as public art in the creek walk area, or similar, that can reasonably
be implemented or facilitated.
5.The Grant Agreement requires public recognition of the City as a funding source and project partner.
6.SLOMA shall submit quarterly reporting and financial assurance documentation.
7.The Amendment paragraph specifies the conditions under which potential Phase 2 funding may be considered, per
SLOMA’s Proposal. These items include satisfactorily completing all required elements of Grant Agreement during
implementation of Phase 1, submitting a detailed project description and supportive justification for the additional funding
request, and submitting sufficient due diligence items for the City’s review to ensure expenditure of its funds is supported
and documented.
8.The Grant Agreement includes standard terms and conditions including Conflict of Interest, Indemnification, and
Termination.
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Economic Development Subsidy
•Under California Government Code Section 53083, the City is required to provide specified
information in written form available to the public, through its website, for any economic
development subsidy within its jurisdiction and to provide public notice and a hearing regarding
the subsidy. An “economic development subsidy” is defined in relevant part under the
Government Code as “any expenditure of public funds or loss of revenue to a local agency in
the amount of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) or more, for the purpose of stimulating
economic development within the jurisdiction of a local agency, including, but not limited to . . .
grants . . . [and] land price subsidies.” (Cal. Gov. Code § 53083(g)(1)).
•The City Council is considering $500,000 in grant funding toward the new, expanded SLOMA
museum space.
•The following information is required to be considered as part of a Public Hearing (see next
slides):
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Economic Development Subsidy
(1) The name and address of all corporations or any other business entities, except for sole
proprietorships, that are the beneficiary of the economic development subsidy, if applicable.
San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, A California Non-Profit.
1010 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(2) The start and end dates and schedule, if applicable, for the economic development subsidy.
The start date is upon entry into the Grant Agreement. City of San Luis Obispo grant funding would be
required to be expended within three years following the start date, unless otherwise amended.
(3) A description of the economic development subsidy, including the estimated total amount of
the expenditure of public funds by, or of revenue lost to, the local agency as a result of the
economic development subsidy.
The total amount of direct expenditures of public funds is $500,000.00.
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Economic Development Subsidy
(4) A statement of the public purposes for the economic development subsidy.
The public purpose for the economic development subsidy is to support arts and cultural activities in the downtown
area of San Luis Obispo, which is expected to generate direct and indirect local economic impact benefits.
(5) Projected tax revenue to the local agency as a result of the economic development subsidy.
According to data provided by SLOMA and the Americans for the Arts: Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 report
(January 2024), the operation of SLOMA’s new museum space will result in $123,500 in local government revenue
and will generate $4,926,203 million in total expenditures an annual basis. SLOMA will be subject to possessory
interest property tax, however as the tenant improvements for the new museum space are not yet constructed, it is
not yet known what the assessment and taxing rate will be.
(6) Estimated number of jobs created by the economic development subsidy, broken down by full-time,
part-time, and temporary positions.
According to data provided by SLOMA and the Americans for the Arts: Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 report
(January 2024), the operation of the new museum space will generate 93 jobs. Employment data contained in this
report is based on the underlying IMPLAN model and is an annual average headcount of full time, part time, and
seasonal employment using the same definitions as the U.S.A. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Economic
Accounts and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Employment and Wages.
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Next Steps
1.Staff will continue to work closely with SLOMA and will establish a regular meeting cadence to
maintain timely communication, support project delivery, and ensure proper oversight of grant
funds and reporting requirements.
2.If SLOMA is able to complete property negotiations and fundraising plans towards the eventual
purchase of the buildings and timely complete the conditions precedent to being considered for
Phase 2 funding, staff will provide options and recommendations regarding additional funding at a
regularly scheduled budget hearing, with the next available opportunity being the June 2, 2026,
meeting regarding the 2026-27 Budget Supplement.
3.SLOMA’s overall fundraising goal is $20 million (or $10 million each for Phase 1 and 2), and they
have secured $7.7 million for Phase 1 and $3.2 million for Phase 2. SLOMA has also successfully
completed the Challenge Grant that the City was asked to participate in.
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Recommendation
Adopt a Draft Resolution entitled, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
finding that a Grant Agreement with the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art is of public benefit in
accordance with California Government Code Section 53083 and approving the Grant Agreement” to:
1. Find that a Grant Agreement serves the public interest of the City of San Luis Obispo by
advancing arts and culture, economic development, and other public benefits; and
2. Approve the Grant Agreement between the City of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo
Museum of Art and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement in a final form satisfactory to
the City Attorney.
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