City of Lawrence

Cultural District Task Force

May 7, 2013 minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mayor Bob Schumm, Grace Peterson, Cindy Maude, KT Walsh, Mike Logan, Jacki Becker, Mandy Enfield, Susan Tate

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

none

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Diane Stoddard, Britt Crum-Cano

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Several citizens

 

 

Commissioner Schumm called the meetings to order. 

 

Ms. Peterson noted two changes to the minutes.  Ms. Walsh moved to approve the minutes with the amendments.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Tate.  The minutes were approved.

 

Britt Crum-Cano, the City’s Economic Development Coordinator discussed some demographic information regarding the cultural district.  She used ESRI information and also some ArtPlace Vibrancy Indicators, which are economic indicators used by ArtPlace.  Ms. Maude asked whether these indicators reflected occupations of the residents of the area, or people who work in the district.  Britt clarified that there are some of the demographics that do take into account workers within the district.  Ms. Tate asked about the number of workers working in the creative field within the district.  Britt pointed to the activity indicators with the NAICS code under arts, entertainment & recreation.  Ms. Tate asked if architects were included.  Britt indicated that if provided with a list of occupations, she could try to run reports to reflect that.  She mentioned the area walk score, which she calculated based on the website information for the walk scores.  Britt also referred to the tapestry information that is often used by commercial businesses for market studies.  Ms. Walsh thanked Britt for the information provided.

 

Ms. Tate discussed the definition of creative economy that she had suggested after the last meeting.  Ms. Walsh suggested adding a different verb in front of quality of life.  The group decided on the following definition for creative economy:

 

CREATIVE ECONOMY:

The creative economy is a powerful and positive global force. Together, artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative businesses produce and distribute cultural goods and services that impact the economy by generating jobs, revenue, and improving quality of life.

 

The next definition discussed was gentrification. Ms. Walsh stated that she thought that gentrification was also people imposing different cultures than people who live in an area without consulting or engaging people who live there.  Ms. Peterson agreed. Ms. Enfield suggest something that often displaces residents or causes a cultural shift.  Commissioner Schumm suggested that once the definition was finalized, it would be good to use the definition to set goals.  He indicated that he did not want to see a change to land use that would change the composition of the area.  After additional discussion, the group decided on the following definition.

 

GENTRIFICATION:

the process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of middle-class or affluent people into areas that often displaces poorer residents.

 

There was general discussion about the next steps for the cultural task force, whether there was a desire to identify certain goals, or agree to study certain topics.  Ms. Maude suggested identifying a list of issues.  Ms. Tate suggested that the group dedicate its next meeting to brainstorming a list of things that would characterize a cultural district.  She suggested that art is a part of this, but only a part of it.  Ms. Peterson suggested that the three items outlined in the Soul of the Community study might be a good place to start.  Ms. Walsh indicated that inclusion of recreational sport opportunities is also important. 

 

Ms. Peterson suggested that the group establish a way for the public to submit  general suggestions or ideas for the cultural district.   There was interest in that suggestion. 

 

The next meeting was set for 3:30 pm on May 21st. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 5:05 pm.