Littleton arts study estimates $48.2 million in annual output; council makes no funding changes

A consultant’s study commissioned by Littleton estimates the city’s arts and culture activity is associated with about 420 full-time-equivalent jobs, $21.5 million in labor income and $48.2 million in annual economic output. City Council heard the report July 28 but made no funding or policy changes.

The BBC Research & Consulting report presented to council attributed about $41.8 million of the output and 369 jobs to permanent arts and culture businesses, organizations and venues. Tracked public events accounted for about $5.5 million and 45 jobs, while Lodgers Tax Grant spending accounted for about $918,000 and six jobs. The report estimated nearly $2.9 million in combined tax impacts for the city, county, special districts and state.

The figures are planning estimates, not an audit. BBC used Placer.ai mobile-location data, Americans for the Arts visitor-spending benchmarks and IMPLAN economic modeling. The report said about 84% of visits in a representative sample came from outside Littleton and estimated that arts and culture visitors generate roughly 5% to 10% of local lodging sales and lodging-tax revenue. Council members questioned what should count as arts and culture, including Hudson Gardens, weddings, live music, recreation and newer or more diverse cultural activities.

BBC recommended pursuing a formal Colorado Creative District designation, promoting existing venues and placemaking, and weighing both economic impact and community benefit when evaluating projects. Its suggested 40% economic-impact and 60% community-benefit balance was a planning option, not an adopted policy.

Littleton’s Arts & Culture Board is expected to continue reviewing lodging-tax grants in its 2026-27 work plan. The materials discuss revisiting grant tiers and the distribution model, including during reauthorization of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. The board has no operating budget and would need city appropriations for new spending.

The city plans to prepare a Creative District application, but no filing date has been set. Staff said the state program was on a one-year hiatus; Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade says it is not accepting new certification applications in fiscal year 2026 and has not posted a reopening date. Staff estimated Littleton’s application effort at about $10,000 in staff time and related work. That is separate from the state guidelines’ requirement for at least a $10,000 cash operating budget for an applicant district, and no city appropriation for the application was approved.

Council members also debated whether money tied to a hotel feasibility study should instead go to local arts organizations. The meeting record shows discussion rather than a vote: council did not redirect the hotel-study money, change grant tiers or approve new arts funding. Those decisions remain for the regular budget process and later grant recommendations, while the Creative District effort remains preparation for a state process with no announced reopening date.