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Alcala, Abigail From: Debra Russell < Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 2:36 PM To: Lopez, Jessie; eComment Subject: Advocating for Arts Funding in our 2025 City Budget Attachments: 1. CA_CityOfSantaAna_AEP6_OnePageSummaryOfFindings (1).pdf Am: eiifl.Win, Tlfis eu uffl nror Ona1n°n9 fug-oai onut;n de o, 'Cu y oro ' S: nu a Anna. Use can fionn when opelfing aflaclnn enu s or finks. Dear Mayor Amezcua and City Councilmembers, I recently perused the Travel Santa Ana website—intended to entice visitors to come and see what our city has to offer —and was reminded that when others think of us, they think of the arts. Their website features many of the bright and vibrant murals painted by local artists across our downtown, with recommendations to check out our monthly Artwalk among other arts -oriented opportunities. Our reputation for being a unique and creative place has also been echoed in numerous conversations with colleagues in my field across the state of California. It is a reputation for us all to be proud of —and to continue to grow through dedicated arts funding. The most recent Arts 8t Economic Prosperity report (summary is attached), commissioned by the City of Santa Ana, to gauge the impact of the arts on our local economy supports this call for dedicated funding. For instance, in 2022, over 700 jobs were tied directly to the creative economy in our city. When people come to explore Santa Ana, they also spend: $30 per person, per event, on average when engaged in arts -related activities. Researchers found that in 2022 alone there was $9.6 million spent on arts and culture events here by locals and visitors. And there is room to expand this economy even further with dedicated investment in artist grants to ensure there are more reasons for folks to visit —and spend —in the future. Investing in our artists and in arts experiences also raises the quality of life and attractiveness of our city. As the parent to two school -aged children, I appreciate that Santa Ana is home to so many regular and free gatherings, performances, workshops, and innovative ways that my family can engage in the arts. It is a reason that other families and friends in our circle travel here, spend their money, and leave with the impression that Santa Ana has a thriving arts scene worth coming back for. Having dedicated funding for grant opportunities specifically for artists who live and work in Santa Ana is another way we ensure that the arts are not only what attracts others but is what we are known for across the Southland. As you make your budget decisions for our city this year, I urge you to continue our investment in dedicated arts funding. It makes sense from a financial perspective to help grow our own creative economy. It makes sense for all the residents —children, families, seniors —who have access to arts experiences that enrich their connection to our city, to each other, and to future workforce opportunities that prioritize creative thinking. It also communicates to those who call this city home or decide to visit that Santa Ana is an exciting and vibrant hub where the arts and artists thrive. Thank you for your service to our city and your leadership to ensure that Santa Ana continues to be known as "a city of the arts" to all. Respectfully, Debra Russell Proud Resident, Parent, Educator, Board Member, 8t Commissioner