2026: Jim Desmond Cast The Lone Vote Against Implementing The San Diego Arts And Culture Initiative

2026: Desmond Cast The Lone Vote Against Implementing The San Diego Arts And Culture Initiative. “INVESTING IN ARTS, CULTURE, AND CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL (DISTRICTS: ALL) […] ACTION: Noting for the record that this item was heard on May 6, 2026; ON MOTION of Supervisor Lawson-Remer, seconded by Supervisor Montgomery Steppe, the Board of Supervisors took the following actions: 1. Directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to implement the Investing in San Diego County Arts and Culture Initiative as outlined below in consultation with relevant County departments and leadership, including, but not limited to, the Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs, Land Use and Environment Group, Department of General Services, Parks and Recreation, Office of Equity and Racial Justice, the Chief Binational Affairs Officer, and County Counsel, as appropriate. […] AYES: Aguirre, Lawson-Remer, Montgomery Steppe NOES: Desmond ABSENT: Anderson.” [San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Meeting Minutes, 5/6/26]

The San Diego Arts And Culture Commission Was The Advisory Board For The Initiative, Which Included An Artist Grant Program, Artist-In-Residence Program, And Legislative Advocacy. “The San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission shall serve as the advisory body for the implementation and ongoing support of this initiative, including program design, criteria, and community engagement. a. Artist Grant Program: Allocate $1,000,000 in ongoing funding to design and implement a direct grant program for artists and cultural practitioners, with initial awards distributed by the end of fiscal year 2026-2027. […] b. Artist-in-Residence Program for San Diego County: Allocate $250,000 in ongoing funding to design and implement a San Diego County Artist-in-Residence Program, with initial placements by the end of Fiscal Year 2026-2027. […] h. Legislative Advocacy for Arts and Culture Funding: Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to include in the County’s Legislative Program support for legislation that would increase funding to support investment in arts, culture, and creative industries.” [San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Meeting Minutes, 5/6/26]