Proposed Memorandum of Understanding

Between The City of Duncanville and Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation, Inc.

Purpose:

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a formal partnership between the City of Duncanville (the City) and the Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation, Inc. (the Foundation) for the purpose of achieving Cultural District designation for Armstrong Park by the Texas Commission on the Arts. This collaboration will enhance economic vitality, community engagement, cultural enrichment, and sustainable arts development within Armstrong Park and adjacent areas.

Objectives:

  • Secure Cultural District designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts.
  • Foster arts-driven economic growth, tourism, and property value appreciation.
  • Enhance community engagement through arts programming and cultural experiences.
  • Strengthen cultural infrastructure and sustainable development in Armstrong Park.
  • Relieve administrative and operational burdens on City resources through the Foundation’s independent nonprofit management.

Roles and Responsibilities:

City of Duncanville agrees to:

  1. Formally recognize the Foundation as its official nonprofit partner for the Cultural District designation process.
  2. Collaborate with the Foundation to develop and implement a Cultural District Master Plan.
  3. Provide reasonable access to city-owned facilities and public spaces for Foundation-led events and initiatives.
  4. Facilitate communication and coordination among city departments to support Foundation projects.
  5. Support cooperative strategies to secure and allocate Hotel Occupancy Tax funding in alignment with City policies and Texas state guidelines.

Armstrong Park Cultural District Foundation agrees to:

  1. Lead the Cultural District designation application process and related strategic initiatives.
  2. Conduct comprehensive cultural asset inventories and community engagement activities.
  3. Independently manage fundraising, grant acquisition, programming, marketing, and economic development activities.
  4. Ensure transparency, accountability, and regular reporting to the City on activities, financial status, and outcomes.
  5. Coordinate closely with the City’s Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Department, and Economic Development Corporation to align strategies and leverage resources.

Mutual Agreements:

  • The City and the Foundation will meet quarterly, or as needed, to ensure ongoing alignment and effective implementation of this MOU.
  • Both parties commit to transparency, timely communication, and good faith collaboration to achieve mutual objectives.
  • Amendments to this MOU may be proposed in writing by either party and must be mutually agreed upon.

Duration:

This MOU shall remain in effect until the Cultural District designation for Armstrong Park has been achieved or until terminated by either party as described below.

Termination:

Either party may terminate this agreement by providing a 90-day written notice, outlining the rationale for termination and actions necessary for an orderly conclusion of the partnership.