Cuyahoga County voters have approved Issue 55, a measure that will provide continued and expanded funding for hundreds of local arts and culture nonprofits. This replacement and expansion of the cigarette tax, which previously funded Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC), will ensure financial support for these organizations through January 2035.

The newly approved tax will generate an estimated $160 million over the next decade, marking an increase in support for the sector. This funding is crucial for CAC to continue its role in providing grants to a wide range of organizations that offer arts experiences to residents across all zip codes in Cuyahoga County. The increased tax revenue is anticipated to impact grantmaking beginning in 2026.

This voter-approved initiative demonstrates a strong community commitment to the arts and culture landscape of Cuyahoga County. The funding is expected to bolster the capacity of local nonprofits, enabling them to offer diverse creative experiences and contribute significantly to the region’s cultural vitality.

Source: https://assemblycle.org/voters-said-yes-to-fund-hundreds-of-arts-and-culture-nonprofits-across-cuyahoga-county-provide-millions-of-creative-experiences-for-residents-through-january-2035/