The ABCS of PFDs
Many of you have heard us refer to the PFD in some manner. The PFD this, the PFD that, but what are we really talking about?
For you boating enthusiasts, we don't mean that brightly colored floatable "thing" you must have on your boat, even if you swim like an Olympic Freestyler.
No, we are referring to the Public Facilities District board. But what, or more accurately who, is that? This month's column provides an overview of PFDs, but in no way can it cover all the specifics of these important groups.
Public Facilities Districts are municipal corporations created by cities or counties and authorized by Washington State to develop, improve, and operate "regional centers" costing at least $10 million and serving a regional population. Regional centers can include performing arts centers, convention centers, and sports arena's. PFDs are not unique to our state but often go by different monikers around the country.
By my last count, there are 26 PFDs in the state. They are responsible for improving their communities through the projects they oversee. The Spokane PFD, which manages the Spokane Arena, the Spokane Convention Center and the First Interstate Center for the Arts, is a good example of an active PFD. In our area we currently have 2 seperate PFDs chartered by the cities of Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland along with a Benton Country PFD. There was also a Regional PFD created through interlocal agreement between all 3 cities, but that topic is very complex and best saved for another time and place.
The Richland PFD (RPFD) is our home team obviously, because of the proposed location of the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center at Columbia Park West. This is within Richland City limits, which means that only the RPFD could build it there.
The RPFD is comprised of five individuals who serve 4-year terms. Two are appointed directly by the City Council, and three are appointed through recommendation by local organizations. The RPFD was originally formed to develop The REACH Museum but can take on additional projects for the benefit of the community, if it so desires.
And that's what is most important here. Our research has shown that getting a new arts center built exclusively with private funds is not currently feasible.
Large-scale, beneficial community projects like ours are only possible with the assistance of Public Facilities Districts. After all, that's why they exist and why working with ours to build the Mid-Columbia Performing Arts Center makes sense. If you would like to learn more about the Richland PFD, you can find additional info, meeting agendas, and minutes at their link on the homepage of The REACH Museum.
Till next time,
Blake.