Good News for the Arts: Mayor Gimenez’s FY 2015-2016 Proposed Budget

Dear Colleagues,

Mayor Gimenez announced his FY 2015-2016 budget recommendations yesterday.  I am pleased to report that the Mayor has recommended sufficient revenues for us to continue to conduct our competitive grants programs at current year’s overall funding levels.

It also is important to note that the Mayor’s recommendations for the coming year must be reviewed and acted upon by the Board of County Commissioners.

Here are highlights of the next steps:

• On Tuesday, July 14^th, the County Commission is scheduled to set the upper-most limits for the millages (i.e., tax rates) which will be finalized at the County Budget Hearings in September;
• The Mayor is scheduling eight (8) town meetings in August to present his budget recommendations and to solicit feedback (schedule to be announced); and
• The two County Commission Budget Hearings are scheduled for:

Thursday, September 3, 5:01 pm in the County Commission chamber; and Thursday, September 17, 5:01 pm in the County Commission chamber.

We will keep you posted on budget news and on the specific impact that that these recommendations may have on FY 2015-2016 grant awards when we have more information.

We continue to be well-represented by the Cultural Affairs Council, chaired by Adolfo Henriques, and grateful for its inspired leadership on behalf of the cultural community. Mayor Gimenez, the County Commission and the Council understand the essential role that the arts play in making this a great place.

We also want to thank you for all of the outstanding work that you do, day in and day out, creating great opportunities that are distinguishing Miami-Dade County as one of the most diverse and vibrant cultural centers in the world.

Michael Spring
Senior Advisor, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor
Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs