KEY DATES
Friday, OCTOBER 17, 2025:
Ballots mailed by Pierce County
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Tuesday, NOVEMBER 4, 2025:
Final day to return ballots
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Election Info ~ Voter's Pamphlet
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Cultural Access Gig Harbor
Getting to the Source
CULTURAL ACCESS is Washington State legislation that is intended and designed to support non-profit arts, heritage, science and cultural organizations who provide public and school programs.
The architect of the legislation is InspireWA.
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To date, a total of five Cultural Access programs have been enacted
in Washington State.
Tacoma Creates - 2018
Inspire Olympia - 2022
Doors Open King County - 2023
City of Vancouver - 2024
San Juan County - 2024
Communities with Cultural Access currently under consideration:
CULTURAL ACCESS makes it easy to support numerous organizations that serve each and every taxpayer, creating a community that is vibrant and alive.
With many people who live outside of the city shopping here, the tax is shared across all shoppers, not just those who live in the city limits.
The Vote is Yours
Voting yes on CULTURAL ACCESS GIG HARBOR is an easy way to do good for current and for future generations. At just a penny per $10 spent, it opens doors to a wide range of arts, science, history, and cultural programming for all.
That's a lot of good!
Dedicated Funding
Use of Cultural Access funds is directed by Washington State legislation (RCW 36.160). Funds are specific to the purpose of supporting nonprofit organizations who hold 501-c-3 tax status and who provide public and school programming.
See the Cultural Access Q&A for more details.
Governance
It is expected that a volunteer Community Advisory Committee will be formed by the city to help develop operational guidelines. ArtsWA is also named in the legislation as an option for program administration.
In July 2024, the City of Gig Harbor passed Ordinance 1546 to form a Cultural Access program and Resolution 1341 to place it on the November ballot.
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BUILT FROM SCRATCH
CAGH leverages existing legislation: RCW 36.160
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If successful, it will be the sixth program of its kind in Washington state.
TIMELINE
There is a lot to do to get this measure passed and active:
2025
City Council Votes to
Place on Ballot
November 2025
Gig Harbor Residents Vote!
If Passed: 2026
Year one of tax collection.
Draft management plan
2027
Disbursement of funds to organizations.
Awesome programs ensue!
SHARE THE LOVE
Voting YES on Proposition #1 shows your support for these organizations and more!
Harbor History Museum
Harbor WildWatch
Gig Harbor BoatShop
Peninsula Hands-on Art
Peninsula Youth Orchestra