The City of Tacoma's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and transformation drives budget and funding decisions. Guided by these principles, approved by our City Council, and in consideration of equitable distribution of funds across the City, Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) is launching a new program in 2021 to provide funding for City supported Special Events<https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=26409>. Read the Special Events Funding Guidelines here<https://cms.cityoftacoma.org/cedd/special%20events/Final-SpecialEventFundingGuidelines.pdf> and open the PDF attachment. Funds in support of community events will be distributed through an annual competitive process. The City historically has funded events from year to year without annual application - these will no longer receive automatic funding. The new program will consider events that celebrate diversity, inclusion and transformation, through a competitive review process administered by the City's Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC). The competitive funding process is recognized as an equitable, fair, and sustainable way of distributing funds to support priorities and cultures, for the greatest positive community impact. Members of the City's Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC), which has diverse representation from across the City, will act on the review and selection panel. The panel will also include key City staff from departments and partner agencies that provide event support. The program will be administered by TVE staff. What this means to traditionally supported events, like yours? This process will allow support of more Black, Indigenous, communities of color and organizations serving neighborhoods across the City. We encourage legacy events to apply for funding, and to highlight your efforts and activities that focus on equity and inclusion. During the open application period, April 23 through June 4, staff will provide orientation workshops to assist potential applicants in submitting applications. The inaugural funding process is anticipated to be completed by the end of third quarter 2021, taking into consideration the ongoing uncertainties and impacts of the pandemic on event organizers. Have questions? Reach out to Kala Dralle, Programming & Booking Coordinator for Tacoma Venues and Events at 253.573.2523, KDRALLE@tacomavenues.org<mailto:KDRALLE@tacomavenues.org>, and visit the Special Events page here<https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=26409>.