GOVERNOR KAINE SIGNS NEW LEGISLATION TO CREATE ARTS & CULTURAL DISTRICTS IN VIRGINIA

Richmond, VA- Today in Richmond, Governor Kaine signed into law legislation that grants every jurisdiction in Virginia the opportunity to create an Arts and Cultural District within their communities. The law has proven to be an important economic development tool used throughout the United States.

According to Del. Shannon Valentine (D-Lynchburg) who patroned the legislation, "Arts and Cultural Districts have been effective in creating jobs, increasing revenue, and encouraging new capital investment, while enhancing the quality of life for all citizens."

The law gives local government the option to provide tax incentives and regulatory flexibility to new or expanding businesses within the defined districts. It is a particularly effective revitalization tool and often used in conjunction with Historic or Main Street and Downtown Development Districts.

Mark Flynn, Director of Legal Services for the Virginia Municipal League, said, "This kind of initiative allows cities and towns to attract visitors and develop Arts and Cultural Districts more easily." By clustering businesses such as dance studios, museums, and performing arts centers, Arts and Cultural Districts attract more business, such as retail shops, architectural offices, and restaurants.

"Local governments owe Delegate Valentine thanks for shepherding this legislation through the General Assembly," said Mr. Flynn.

"I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this initiative which has real potential to bring more attention to the arts and act as a magnet for business and cultural development across the Commonwealth," says Marjette Glass, the Director of the Lynchburg's Office of Economic Development. "The Arts serve as an important economic engine for new investment."

Jim Campbell of the Virginia Association of Counties said, "These districts provide communities an excellent opportunity to blend their homegrown cultural resources with economic development into a sense of community pride."

With the legislation in place, all localities in Virginia will be allowed to join the nine localities presently authorized to create the districts without the need to separately approach the General Assembly for approval.

April 8, 2009