Editor’s note: This is a press release from the SCA.
The Sausalito Center for the Arts (SCA) is a wonderful example of collaboration between the City of Sausalito and the nonprofit SCA. The City’s generous support of SCA has greatly benefited the community, and SCA has delivered significant value in return.
There have been some misunderstandings about SCA’s lease status. Contrary to some claims, SCA is fully committed to meeting its lease obligations and has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the community.
However, SCA would like its lease terms to be in line with the other City-owned properties, especially when it comes to the maintenance of its aging building.
A recent City Staff Report has identified necessity of a comprehensive policy framework to ensure fair and uniform lease management of City properties. On February 20, 2024, the Sausalito City Council wisely decided to maintain SCA’s rent at the current rate of $4,000 per month for up to six months. This decision highlighted the need for consistent policies and procedures for negotiating the lease terms of all City properties, including SCA.
With the completion of the lease study, the SCA lease will be revisited by the City Council on September 17. SCA is supportive of adjusting the lease in line with new policies, even if it involves a modest rent increase. We simply ask for fairness and consistency in applying these new policies to our lease.
As we continue this valuable public-private partnership, we encourage you to show your appreciation for the Council’s continued support of SCA, by communicating the contributions SCA brings to our community, such as:
- A dedicated team of volunteers preserving Sausalito’s artistic legacy
- Significant revenue generation for the City and local businesses
- Positive publicity for Sausalito at no cost to the City
- Revitalization of a vacant building and protection from overdue improvements
- A strong example of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community
- Provides a prime location venue for other non-profit organizations
As Council Member Jill Hoffman noted when making her decision to support SCA, “It wasn’t just about money. It was about impacts and about how the building would serve our community” (Sausalito Favors Art Center At Former Bank Site, Marin IJ, Jan. 13, 2022).
If you are a resident of Sausalito, please email the City Council today, state that you are a resident, and urge them to continue their support of SCA by creating a lease agreement that helps SCA thrive.
You can write to the Council at, citycouncil@sausalito.gov
We also ask that you consider attending the Council meeting on September 17, to voice your opinions. More info on the meeting can be found here.
If you are not a resident of Sausalito, please sign our petition thanking the Council of their continued support of SCA.
For more detailed information about the contributions SCA brings to our community, and the petition, please click the button below.
We thank you for your continued support of the Sausalito Center For The Arts!
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