Title
Approving the City of Saint Paul's participation in the financing of the expansion and renovation of the Minnesota Children's Museum.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Children's Museum is one of Saint Paul's true cultural pillars attracting more than 450,000 attendees annually to downtown; and
WHEREAS, with the philosophy that early learning is the foundation of lifelong learning, the recognition that families are our children's first teacher, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, the Minnesota Children's Museum currently has more than 15,000 enrolled family memberships including more than 3,000 living in poverty who receive a free membership; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Children's Museum is amidst a $28 Million capital campaign to expand, renovate and transform the facility into a 21st Century Museum, increasing attendance by 100,000 annually and solidifying the organization's future in downtown Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, because the project is of a substantial community significance it is the intent of the Saint Paul City Council to participate in the financing of this campaign by providing $1,000,000 in Cultural STAR Grant funding over 5 years according to the following schedule: $50,000 in 2015, $50,000 in 2016, $300,000 in 2017, $300,000 in 2018 and $300,000 in 2019;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that upon recommendation of the Mayor, the City Council does hereby intend to participate in the financing of the expansion and renovation of the Children's Museum by providing Cultural STAR Grant funding in years 2015-2019.