TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report on the Latino Cultural Center Community Engagement and Business Plan. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 3, 2019, as part of the Adopted FY 20 Budget, the City Council authorized a one-time investment of $50,000 from the Special Advertising and Promotions Fund Group, to support outreach efforts for a Latino Cultural Center. The Office of Civic Innovation and the Departments of Economic Development, Parks, Recreation and Marine, and Public Works have led the effort to develop the framework and plan for the possible creation of a Latino Cultural Center.
In November 2020, over 50 prominent Latino leaders were asked to serve on the Latino Cultural Steering Committee to guide the visioning process. The City awarded funding to Centro CHA to implement a robust community engagement process and to Lord Cultural Resources to develop a business plan based on the community engagement and Steering Committee input.
Below is an outline of work accomplished to develop the Latino Cultural Center Community Engagement Report and Business Plan during monthly Steering Committee meetings. All Steering Committee documents and Zoom recordings can be found at <https://longbeach.gov/iteam/priorities/latino-cultural-center/>.
|
Timeline |
Activity |
Lead |
|
December 2020 |
Latino Cultural Center Kick Off Meeting |
City Staff, Centro CHA, and Lord Cultural Resources |
|
January 2021 |
Latino Cultural Center Work Plan and Community Engagement Plan Review |
City Staff, Centro CHA, and Lord Cultural Resources |
|
February 2021 |
History and Data about Latinos in Long Beach |
Centro CHA |
|
March 2021 |
Celebrating Latino Leaders and Origin Storytelling |
City Staff and Centro CHA |
|
April 2021 |
Latino Cultural Center Market Overview, Models, and Trends |
Lord Cultural Resources |
|
May 2021 |
Latino Cultural Center Case Study Review |
Lord Cultural Resources |
|
February to June 2021 |
Community Engagement Plan Implementation (interviews, focus groups, and surveys). |
Centro CHA |
|
July 2021 |
Community Engagement Report Presentation and Review Session |
Centro CHA |
|
August 2021 |
Cultural Center Assumptions Workshop |
Lord Cultural Resources |
|
September 2021 |
Business Plan Presentation and Review Session |
City Staff, Centro CHA, and Lord Cultural Resources |
Community Engagement Report Overview
Centro CHA implemented a robust community engagement plan focused on key categories including space and facilities; programs, exhibits, and services; community education and economic development; and, overall concepts/ideas. Centro CHA conducted 19 focus groups with 263 community members representing 25 organizations, performed 15 interviews with key community leaders, and implemented 2 surveys with 77 responses.
The top priorities for the activation of the Latino Cultural Center selected through the community engagement process include:
• Historic Exhibits
• Architecture, Aesthetics, and Artwork
• Community Resource Hub and Community Gathering Space
• Cultural Arts and Education
• Workforce Development Programs and Services
• Small Business Incubator and Entrepreneurial Development
• Safe Space
Business Plan Overview
Lord Cultural Resources provided a three-phased approach to develop the business plan. Phase One included the concept and needs assessment to define the general vision for the Latino Cultural Center. Phase Two explored opportunities and constraints and formulated recommendations associated with the site, facilities, operations and best practice/comparable. Phase Three focused on the capital cost and projections component including assumptions and rough-order-of-magnitude capital cost estimate, operating revenue, and expense projections.
The Latino Cultural Center Business Plan includes:
• Process Overview
• Context for the Cultural Center
• Cultural Market Realities
• Best Practices Research Outcomes
• Key Operating Assumptions
• Preliminary Attendance and Financial Projections
• Capital Costs
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on September 14, 2021 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on September 21, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 12, 2021, to receive and file a report on the Latino Cultural Center Community Engagement Report and Business Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER