SAMPLE RESOLUTION FOR CULTURAL DISTRICTS

(for the Local Governing Authority, such as a City Council, Parish Council or Parish Police Jury, to be tailored to fit the particular situation as the facts and circumstances dictate.)

Resolution (or Ordinance) No. ______________

A Resolution (or Ordinance) in support of an application for the creation of the ________________________________ (proposed name of district) Cultural District

WHEREAS, Act 298 of the 2007 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature authorizes Local Governing Authorities to create Cultural Districts as a mechanism for community revitalization through the creation of hubs of cultural activity; and

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development is authorized to develop standard criteria for cultural districts and to determine whether or not a proposed Cultural District meets those criteria; and

WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development has promulgated administrative rules which set forth the procedure for Local Governing Authorities to submit applications to designate and certify a specified geographic area as a Cultural District; and

WHEREAS, the geographic area within the City of _________, Parish of __________, may meet the criteria for the creation of a Cultural District which area is generally comprised of the territory within the following boundaries:

and

WHEREAS, within the boundaries of a state-certified Cultural District, several tax incentives may be available including (1) a sales tax exemption on the sale of certain original works of art, (2) individual income tax credits for eligible expenses incurred during the rehabilitation of certain owner-occupied residential or owner-occupied mixed use structures, and (3) income and corporate franchise tax credits for eligible expenses incurred during the rehabilitation of certain historic structures; and

WHEREAS, only a Local Governing Authority is authorized to submit an application for the designation and certification of a Cultural District; and

WHEREAS, a "Local Governing Authority" is defined by LAC 25:I§1101 as "the governing authority of the parish in which the Cultural District is located unless the district is located in a municipality, in which case "Local Governing Authority" shall mean the governing authority of the municipality. If the district is located partly in a municipality, "Local Governing Authority" shall mean the governing authority of the parish and the governing authority of the municipality"; and

WHEREAS, the ___________________________ (name of the proposed cultural district) is located entirely within the municipality of ___________________ (or is located outside of any municipality and is located completely within the parish of _______________) and therefore the ________________________ (name of Local Governing Authority) would be the proper entity to submit an application for the certification and designation of the above described geographic area as a Cultural District.

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the ______________________________ (name of Local Governing Authority) does hereby:

  1. Support and endorse the submission of an application to the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development to designate the _______________________________________ (name of proposed cultural district) as a state-certified Cultural District; and
  2. Delegate its authority to submit said application and all supporting documents, reports, and other forms required for the creation, administration, and reporting to _____________________ (name of individual or organization with delegated authority to perform such functions on behalf of the Local Governing Authority, e.g., an individual contractor, a private volunteer, a civic organization, etc.) subject to the following limitations and restrictions: ____________________________________________________________ (if any)
  3. Direct all city (or parish) employees to support and cooperate with efforts to compile all necessary information and data required for the application and all subsequent reporting necessary for the administration of the Cultural District
  4. Request all affected citizens and businesses to support and promote activities consistent with the purposes of the Cultural District
  5. Authorize the Mayor (or Parish President, etc.) to sign any and all documents required for the creation and administration of the ________________ (name of proposed cultural district) subject to the following limitations and restrictions: ______________________________________________ (if any)

    ADOPTED ON THIS _____ Day of ______________, 200__.

     

    _____________________________________
    Name, Secretary and/or Chairman