DC is a city of 600,000 residents with 15-20 million tourist visitors per year. Local arts and humanities grant programs support established and emergent local arts businesses that serve residents and tourists. Many arts businesses have small annual budgets, and the impact of government funding on jobs and programming is significant. 54% of all District non-profits have budgets under one million dollars. Local funds for the arts and humanities are granted annually to hundreds of individuals and organizations that create arts opportunity for all DC residents.

Only when the city invests appropriately in DC residents can the power of our spirit be unleashed, and the full economic impact of the creative communities be felt.

We ask that you reverse the proposed local funds reduction, and increase support to at least $20 million for FY16.