Bill to Allow Establishment of Cultural Districts Passes House

State Representative Joe Polletta (R-68) last week joined his colleagues and voted to allow municipalities to create designated cultural districts to create awareness and promote economic development.

Passing the House unanimously, H.B. 6939 – An Act Concerning the Establishment of Municipal Cultural Districts – lets local officials establish specific areas of their town or city as a cultural district to promote art, music and entertainment.

“This is pro-business, pro-community legislation that has the potential to draw thousands of visitors to communities with arts and cultural attractions, and those visitors will undoubtedly boost the local economy by shopping at our stores and patronizing local restaurants,” Rep. Polletta said. “While not as robust as similar legislation Senator Berthel and I have proposed, this is a good first step toward creating dynamic and inviting areas that showcase local community arts and entertainment.”

If signed into law, Connecticut would join a few other states with similar Cultural Districts, including Massachusetts, Virginia and Indiana.

“Connecticut is loaded with history and culture, with myriad museums, festivals and attractions that bring thousands of visitors together annually from across the state and the country,” Rep. Polletta said. “Whether someone comes to Watertown, Oakville or Woodbury from a few miles away, across the state or even from a different state, they’ll leave having experienced the quiet charm that makes our district the wonderful place it is to live and work. Our community benefits when people come together to share a performance or exhibit.”

The measure does not regulate property use within any cultural district and is merely a recognition of the cultural venues within a certain geographic area. There are no additional costs to residents, businesses or visitors fees of any kind.

The bill now heads to the Senate. The 2019 legislative session ends at midnight on Wednesday, June 5.