Preserving Our Vibrant Cultural Community
A MULTICOUNTY SUCCESS STORY – THE SCFD
The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) is a unique and nationally envied model for cultural funding that fosters and sustains hundreds of vibrant and diverse cultural attractions in the Denver metro area. Voters initially approved the 1¢ on $10 sales tax in 1988 to make culture accessible to all and provide a stable funding source to local and regional arts, cultural, and scientific organizations. The SCFD boosts the region’s economy and provides a huge return on investment.
WHAT IS CATZ?
Citizens for Arts to Zoo (CATZ) is a volunteer association whose mission is to support continuation of the SCFD. A 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, CATZ funds and directs the ballot campaigns for extension of the dedicated one-tenth-of-one-cent sales tax helping fund cultural facilities and programs in the seven-county area. CATZ works to maintain the basic principles that have guided the approval and sustainability of the District.
SCFD REAUTHORIZATION HISTORY
Voters’ repeated response to the value of the SCFD is demonstrated through its successful track record at the ballot box. Because of a sunset clause in the statute, three renewal campaigns have been led by CATZ —1994, 2004 and 2016.
LOCAL LEADER SUPPORT
Scientific and Cultural Facilities District renewal campaigns have been overwhelmingly supported by mayors, county commissioners, local government officials, and local business associations. It is an issue that cuts across all traditional political lines. Leaders assist in securing and maintaining local visibility and support. The 2016 campaign attained more than 250 resolutions of support from elected officials, civic groups, media outlets, and more across the metro region.
POLLING RESULTS CONSISTENTLY SHOW VOTER SUPPORT
Public opinion polling prior to each SCFD renewal shows the continued popularity of the region’s outstanding cultural facilities and the numerous benefits they provide to residents and visitors alike. Strong majorities have favorable views of SCFD-funded institutions across all counties, genders, and education levels.
REGIONAL BENEFITS OF THE SCFD
Hosts some 14.5 million attendees annually
Supports world-class facilities and high-quality programs through a myriad of diverse cultural offerings
Generates $3.12 billion in economic activity for the metro area—strengthening tourism, employment, and the overall economy
Enhances access to culture and education for all residents, including outreach to more than 1 million underserved residents each year
Awards $85 million in grants to 304 cultural organizations (2024)
Contributes significantly to the metro area’s quality of life
Preserves important art and artifacts, rare botany, and the state’s paleontology and cultural heritage, and cares for thousands of animals
Serves as a model of regional partnership and cooperation in support of valued cultural resources
