HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/2026 Item 7a, Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust
Otta, Kaitlin
From:Erica Ellis <eellis@sloma.org>
Sent:Tuesday, 15 AM
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Leann Standish
Subject:Nov 10, 2026 Council Meeting: Agenda Item 7
Attachments:SLOMA Letter_Miossi.pdf
Hello –
I would like to submit the attached letter of support on behalf of Mr. Howard Carroll of the Harold J. Miossi
Charitable Trust. This letter is in regard to agenda item 7 of tonight’s Council meeting.
Thank you.
1
HAROLD J. MIOSSI CHARITABLE TRUST
Post Office Box 1025 Phone: (805) 441-8338
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 Email:hcarroll@miossicharitabletrust.org
City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo October 21, 2026
Re: Letter of Support for the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art's Phase II Expansion
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
On behalf of the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust, I am pleased to express our
strong support for the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art's Phase II proposal
requesting a $2 million commitment from the City of San Luis Obispo toward the
future purchase of its expanded facility on Higuera Street.
The Trust has proudly supported SLOMA's expansion with a $1.5 million investment
in Phase I and an additional $1.5 million in endowment support for Phase II.
These commitments reflect the Trust's confidence in SLOMA's leadership and
staff, its thoughtful approach to long-term sustainability, and the important role the
Museum plays in enriching the cultural life of our community.
I believe this expansion represents a meaningful investment in San Luis Obispo's
future. SLOMA's expanded gallery spaces, new opportunities for public
programming, and dedicated areas for community gatherings will help make art
more accessible while strengthening the Museum's role as a welcoming civic and
cultural destination.
I am particularly confident in this expansion because it pairs an ambitious vision
with careful planning and broad community support. SLOMA has secured its
construction funding for Phase I and has made substantial progress toward its
Phase II fundraising goal. Its plans for the expanded facility are grounded in a
comprehensive feasibility report (also supported by the Trust), operational
projections, and a commitment to responsible long-term stewardship. The
inclusion of endowment support further demonstrates an understanding that a
successful expansion must be matched by the resources needed to sustain the
institution and its programs over time.
A vibrant, accessible arts institution strengthens downtown, encourages residents
and visitors to spend time in the heart of the city, supports downtown businesses,
and contributes to San Luis Obispo's unique sense of place. By bringing more
people into the downtown economic and cultural corridor and creating new
opportunities for engagement, SLOMA's expansion will help reinforce San Luis
Obispo's appeal as an attractive place to live, work, learn, and visit. Its
commitment to creative reuse also makes thoughtful use of an existing building
while contributing to the continued vitality of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The City's proposed $2 million commitment toward Phase II would be an
important step in securing the long-term future of this community asset. Just as the
City's Phase I investment helped demonstrate public confidence and encourage
private philanthropic support, a commitment to Phase II would reinforce our
shared belief that arts and culture are essential to a thriving community.
The Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust is proud to invest in SLOMA's future, and I
encourage the City Council to support this proposal as we have. I believe this
partnership will deliver lasting benefits for the people of San Luis Obispo,
expanding access to the arts, strengthening downtown, and creating a cultural
resource that will serve our community for generations to come. The time to invest
in our future is now .
Trustee, Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust