The SCFD has been approved by voters four times over the course of our 35-year history of providing culture for all. Time flies when you’re providing foundational support to hundreds of arts, culture and science organizations loved by millions and the SCFD is gearing up ask voters to continue their support in 2028. Denver metro area voters created the district in 1987 and for three decades the SCFD has asked them to keep a good thing going for arts and culture in our region. Every single time voters have replied with a resounding “yes.”
Recently, the SCFD Board of Directors approved a framework for collecting the input the district will need from stakeholders and supporters to chart a vision for the district’s future. Over the next few years, we will be conducting research and engaging with SCFD stakeholders to gather feedback and build consensus on the right framework to carry the district into its next 30 years.
Check this page for updates on SCFD’s stakeholder engagement process and how you can learn more and get engaged.
SCFD Selects GBSM as Partner in Stakeholder Engagement Process Ahead of 2028 Reauthorization
November 22, 2025 – Following a robust RFP process and careful review of submitted proposals, the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) has selected GBSM to support phases 1-5 of its upcoming Stakeholder Engagement Process in preparation for a 2028 reauthorization. GBSM and SCFD will conduct analysis and engage with SCFD stakeholders to gather feedback and forge consensus on the right framework for the district as it considers its continuation beyond its first 40 years.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to reflect on the successes and opportunities of the district together,” said SCFD Board Chair, Jacki Cooper Melmed, “the region and the arts have both changed over the last nearly 40 years, and it’s important that we include our community throughout this process so that we can best serve current and future district residents through our vision of Culture For All.”
Founded in 1986, GBSM is a Colorado-based consulting firm that has used authentic engagement, creative thinking and sound strategy to forge coalitions and consensus on some of the Rocky Mountain West’s most complex issues. They have also helped numerous government and quasi-governmental agencies strategize their futures, develop and grow key initiatives and optimize their business processes. The firm is also very active in supporting Colorado’s arts and culture organizations through clients like the RiNo Art District and Colorado Chautauqua Association, and community partnerships with organizations including Youth on Record and Biennial of the Americas.
”It is an absolute honor that the SCFD is entrusting GBSM – and our culturally, geographically and creatively diverse team of partners – to lead this important effort,” said GBSM President and CEO, Andy Mountain. “The impact and experiences that the 300-plus SCFD-funded cultural organizations create has a profound impact on what makes the Denver metro area so special.”
Building on knowledge from prior reauthorization efforts, the stakeholder engagement process will center around transparency and inclusivity. To ensure this, GBSM included Moe Graham (Visual Artist), JC Futrell (RealArtLife), Neil Walia (Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission), Virginia Garcia Pivik (GP&P) and Summit Street Group as partners on their team.
“We look forward to partnering with GBSM and their partners on the upcoming stakeholder engagement process,” said SCFD Executive Director, Andrea Albo, “the firm’s vast experience in engaging diverse communities and building consensus will be invaluable as the cultural community comes together to build the foundation and structure for the next era of the SCFD.”
SCFD’s partnership with GBSM will begin in December with Phase 1 of the stakeholder engagement process, Research & Landscape Analysis. This phase will include an onboarding process, a review of key background data, series of interviews, stakeholder mapping, and quantitative and qualitative analysis of SCFD’s financial standing.
To stay informed of the ongoing stakeholder engagement process and to be updated about opportunities to participate, please ensure you have subscribed to SCFD’s mailing list and bookmark this webpage.