Petri Bill to Establish Cultural Districts Clears House Committee
HARRISBURG – The House Urban Affairs Committee advanced legislation by its chairman, Rep. Scott Petri (R-Bucks), which would allow for the creation of Cultural Improvement Districts (CID) in the Commonwealth to help with community improvement efforts and enable municipalities to generate needed tourism revenue.
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House Bill 1490, which has the support of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, would permit local governments to establish Cultural Improvement Districts and provides a roadmap to help them navigate the municipal planning code in order to do so,” said Petri. “Advisory committees would be established to gather public and stakeholder input on potential programs to benefit the community and make recommendations to the governing body.
“This bill provides the tools municipalities can use to improve their cultural and historical districts,” said Petri. “It is designed to enhance the relationship between museums and cultural attractions with the surrounding neighborhoods and communities for the benefit of all.”
The bill maintains that local taxing options contained in the bill would not be exercised unless the municipality first puts the question before voters in a referendum and the majority vote in favor of the measure.
“So far, 15 other states have established statewide cultural district programs, but my bill differs in that it would set up a framework for local options and local control, giving people who live and work in the community the opportunity to make decisions that affect their quality of life,” said Petri. “The bill promises many economic benefits, such as job creation, capital investment, tourism development and revenue growth.”
Petri’s bill received unanimous approval in committee and now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Scott Petri
178th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Donna Pinkham
717.260.6452
dpinkham@pahousegop.com
RepPetri.com