The Clackamas County Policy Session held on December 18, 2024, focused on the allocation of funds to support local arts organizations and the management of grant applications. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the administrative fees associated with grant management, where a 15% fee was deemed reasonable given the extensive services provided, including bookkeeping and website development.

Commissioners expressed a desire to ensure that funding supports well-established organizations with significant community impact, such as the Liquid Theater and the Music Project in West Linn. There was a consensus on the importance of maximizing the effectiveness of limited funds by prioritizing organizations with a longstanding reputation in Clackamas County.

Commissioner Scholl raised the need for the Clackamas County Cultural Coalition to actively promote grant opportunities to ensure widespread awareness among potential applicants. It was confirmed that grants would be available exclusively to county residents and organizations, with the board retaining the authority to set specific conditions for funding.

Concerns were voiced regarding equitable distribution of grants to prevent favoritism towards the same organizations each year. The board discussed the importance of maintaining oversight and control over the grant approval process, ensuring that recommendations from the Cultural Coalition would be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for final approval.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting impactful arts organizations while ensuring a fair and transparent grant distribution process. Further steps will involve refining the application process and enhancing communication about funding opportunities within the community.