LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council President Delarian Wiggins
SUBJECT:
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DISCRETIONARY FUNDING ALLOCATION - CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT DELARIAN WIGGINS - DISTRICT 7
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RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council approve funding of $400 to First City Arts Alliance for the Pensacola Mural Fest and $1,000 for the Watson Family Foundation Thanksgiving Food Giveaway from the City Council Discretionary Funds for District 7.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
In accordance with the Section 3.28-3.33 of the Policies of the City Council, prior to any distribution of grant or sponsorship funds from the City Council Discretionary Funds, approval by City Council is required.
The Pensacola Mural Fest began in 2022 when a group of Pensacolians who are passionate about art and Pensacola came together and decided that Pensacola ought to celebrate the murals across our community and add to the City’s collection. These people were supporters of the arts, the Pensacola Muralists and Tanyard Neighborhood residents, and when they came together, Pensacola Mural Fest (Formerly First City Mural Fest) was launched. In 2022, the group started with a one-day event at Emerald Republic Brewing Co. Eight local artists were selected and painted panels during the annual Foo Foo Fest. The experiment was so successful that in 2023 a number of businesses along the Barrancas corridor between Garden Street and Main Street offered their walls for full-scale murals. This year’s mural fest will have artists painting starting November 4th with a community celebration the weekend of November 11th and 12th. Funding will go towards offsetting costs associated with this event.
The Watson Family Foundation was created in 2016 with the opening of the Watson Firm, PLLC. Attorney Aaron Watson and his wife, Kimberly, were so moved by the community’s support upon opening their law firm that they immediately began looking for meaningful ways to give back. The Watson Firm soon became known for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway and its Backpack Giveaway. Guided by generational values, the Watsons believe in continuing their family legacy of faith-based outreach, community service and mentorship. The Watson Family Foundation’s mission is to help bridge the gap that separates deserving families from the support needed to guide them toward leading thriving lives. Funding will be used towards their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway.
PRIOR ACTION:
July 21, 2022 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-065 establishing the City Council Discretionary Fund Policy
FUNDING:
Budget: $ 8,843 FY 2024 District 7 Discretionary Funds
Actual: $ 400 First City Arts Alliance/Pensacola Mural Fest
1,000 The Watson Family Foundation
$ 1,400
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
A balance of $8,843 is currently within the District 7 Discretionary Fund Account. Upon approval by City Council, a balance of $7,443 will remain in the District 7 Discretionary Fund Account.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
Yvette McLellan, Special Assistant to the Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PRESENTATION: No