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ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 407
Introduced by McKinney, 11.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to propose an interim study to
examine revitalization of urban areas and how cities and villages may utilize
the role of culture as a driver of economic development, workforce attraction,
tourism, and community revitalization in Nebraska. The study shall evaluate
whether Nebraska should utilize cultural development initiatives as an
additional method of revitalization and development, similar to the European
Union initiative, the European Capital of Culture.
This study shall assess the feasibility of establishing one or more pilot
cultural districts or a statewide cultural capital designation, with a focus on
scaling economic and community impact in historically underserved communities.
The study shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) A determination on whether Nebraska should establish a rotating
statewide cultural designation similar to the European Capital of Culture and
the requirements for implementation of such a designation, including
sustainable funding levels and sources, selection criteria and an application
process, governance and oversight structure, and expected economic and social
return on investment of such initiative;
(2) An examination of how cultural districts may align with broader
community development strategies, including housing development and
stabilization efforts, transportation and transit access, small business
incubation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, and workforce development and
talent attraction initiatives;
(3) An examination of the extent to which cultural development
initiatives, including creative districts, benefit low-income communities and
Black, Latino, Indigenous, and other historically underserved populations, the
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effect such initiatives have on urban versus rural communities, and strategies
to ensure equitable distribution of cultural investment and outcomes;
(4) An examination of cultural development initiatives utilized currently
in Nebraska, such as creative districts, and the overall economic impact of
such districts and how such economic impact compares to alternative models used
in other states or internationally;
(5) An analysis of the current structure and outcomes of Nebraska's
certified creative districts, a comparison to other national and international
cultural development models, and an evaluation of how cultural investment can
function as a tool for public safety, youth engagement, economic mobility, and
long-term community stabilization; and
(6) An examination of best practices, governance structures, funding
mechanisms, and measurable outcomes associated with cultural development
initiatives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED NINTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Urban Affairs Committee of the Legislature shall be designated
to conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report
of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council
or Legislature.
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