Future of Arts and Culture Project: Phase 1 Segment Assessment
Snohomish County, Washington

“Better City helped Snohomish County, WA take a major step forward to understanding its industries of arts and culture. In 2022, during recovery, the county arts office and commission retained Better City to frame up support for disproportionately impacted cultural non-profits and businesses. We went to Better City asking for help to quantify an industry that is wonderfully irregular, organic and ever changing. It was a very difficult project - but we got there in the end! This unique project, (the first of its kind in the county's recent history), required technical, and curious mindset, superior active listening skills and kindly patience. Jason, Eric and Mone't committed to our cause as if it was their own. They waded full force into the muddy weeds to help us winnow down and prioritize what information would benefit arts and culture over the long-term. I am so proud of the Future of Arts and Culture Industry Segment Assessment the team created. I hope other counties, cities and towns who are confused about what, where and how to invest, or what "arts and culture" means will use the framework Better City created first for our county. There are specific industry performance metrics, priorities, resources and outcomes for these industries that can be monitored for health over time. We all know thriving arts and culture makes communities strong, but now, thanks to Better City, Snohomish County knows what it takes for arts and culture to be strong in communities.”