M.E.T. theatre management transfer to Arts Council
Summary
The city-run theater needs roughly $40,000 in equipment — including an encrypted DCI-compliant projector so Disney films stop losing money — plus foyer speakers and sound upgrades. The commission approved moving $75,000 to cover it and is working on shifting the theater to a nonprofit by around June to escape State Board of Accounts and Board of Works restrictions.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 14, 2026.
Impact analysis
The commission is moving $75,000 of TIF/RDC money to the theater for equipment and operating costs.
Moviegoers and concert attendees — the theater drew 80 to 200 people per event since October — plus downtown businesses that benefit from the traffic.
One vendor was reportedly upset when the city declined to carry its contract forward under the Arts Council.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Redevelopment Commission - Oct 14, 2026
The theater the city took over is still losing money each month and needed another $10,000 to keep going through the holidays. Operators promised a full budget by December, and are chasing sponsorships, grants, and bigger crowds to break even.
Redevelopment Commission - Jul 8, 2026
The M.E.T. theatre is officially being run by the Arts Council as of July 1, which unlocks grants and sponsorships. The paperwork transferring the property to the RDA is still being worked out.
General - Jun 10, 2026
The city-owned theatre has been hamstrung: every expense goes through board works and it can't apply for grants or sponsorships. Leasing it to the Arts Council for $100 a year removes those limits, and the theatre's attendance is already climbing. The commission will discuss a possible operating subsidy next month until the venue breaks even.
Redevelopment Commission - May 13, 2026
The city-owned theater is handcuffed — it can't take cash ticket sales or small sponsorships. The plan is for the Arts Council to run it as a nonprofit, with ownership moved to the RDA and leased back. A contract comes for a vote next month.
Board of Works and Safety - Apr 13, 2026
A $19,826.13 change order upgrades the theater's sound system and makes it compliant for streaming major studio movies — meaning cheaper, easier-to-hear showings going forward.
Redevelopment Commission - Apr 8, 2026
The city-run theater needs roughly $40,000 in equipment — including an encrypted DCI-compliant projector so Disney films stop losing money — plus foyer speakers and sound upgrades. The commission approved moving $75,000 to cover it and is working on shifting the theater to a nonprofit by around June to escape State Board of Accounts and Board of Works restrictions.
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