05/07/2026
Faustkateers & Faust fans like! We want to make you aware of a significant proposal currently under consideration by the Leon County Commission that could affect the local arts community.
COCA is facing a proposed 100% loss of County funding and transfer of its grant programs and services to the Leon County Division of Tourism. According to COCA, this would cause an immediate transfer of the FY27 grant programs and its $2M in grant funds solely to the Division of Tourism, followed by a 33% cut in TDT grants funding for arts organizations in FY28, with further reductions possible in future rounds.
The timing is hard because many of our fellow community arts orgs are already facing significant uncertainty surrounding arts funding. Not to mention Faust! COCA is asking for the community to support Agenda Item #13, Option 2, which would extend COCA's current contract for one year while a long-term plan is developed collaboratively. Additional ways to support COCA and help can be found below.
https://conta.cc/4tp3tIZ
ADVOCACY ALERT: Support COCA | Send, Attend, & Spread the Word
The Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) is facing a proposed 100% loss of County funding and transfer of its grant programs and services to the Leon County Division of Tourism. With this change comes an immediate transfer of the FY27 grant programs and its $2M in grant funds solely to the Division of Tourism, followed by a 33% cut in TDT grants funding for arts organizations in FY28 for its year-around programs that drive tourism and economic development, with further reductions possible in future rounds. It eliminates long-standing programs and support for cultural organizations, artists & arts education & general public that our visitors & residents rely on.
For over 40 years, Leon County has partnered with and supported arts & culture through the designated arts agency. This change threatens the viability of cultural organizations & COCA, and will negatively impact arts & culture in the Capital City and its region.
The Leon County Commission can stop this.
On agenda item #13, ask Leon County commissioners to vote for Option #2, to extend its current contract for one year and allow COCA to work with the County on a long-term arrangement.
Take Action
1. Email or Call Your Commissioner
Urge them to support Agenda Item #13, Option 2, which would extend COCA’s current contract for one year and allow time to develop a long-term plan.
2. Attend the Meeting
Showing up in person makes a powerful impact. If you are able and willing to attend, please reply to this post and let us know - we are working to coordinate a strong showing of support. The meetings are live-streamed and recorded.
3. Spread the Word
Share this message with your networks, post on social media, and personally invite others to attend. Direct outreach -calls, texts, and one-on-one asks - can make all the difference.
4. Join the Information Session
COCA will host an informational Zoom meeting if you wish to learn more information on Friday, May 8, at 1 PM
Learn more by visiting the link in the comments. And please feel free to reach out to any COCA staff or our Executive Director, Kathleen Spehar, with any questions you may have at [email protected] or at 850-224-2500 x2
Thank you for supporting COCA!
