CATZ Mission & Purpose

The Citizens for Arts to Zoo (CATZ) is a Colorado volunteer association in existence since 1994 whose mission is to support continuation of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). CATZ is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization and it is guided by a board of directors under a set of bylaws. CATZ files reports with the IRS and the Colorado Secretary of State.

The organization’s purpose is to assist the SCFD by funding and directing the ballot campaigns for the extension of the dedicated one-tenth of one cent sales tax helping fund cultural facilities and programs in the seven-county Denver metropolitan area.

There have been three SCFD renewal elections since its founding in 1988. In addition, CATZ provides SCFD periodic grants to recognize volunteers and leaders in the cultural community. CATZ has also operated as a funder for legislative lobbying and provides advice to the SCFD on legislative, governmental and political issues. CATZ works to maintain the basic principles that have guided the approval and sustainability of the District.

This support organization was first recommended by Rex Morgan, one of the founders of the SCFD, and Floyd Ciruli of Ciruli Associates, the general manager of the initial and subsequent campaigns. In the early 1990s, shortly after its first approval by voters, it was clear that a long-term organization would be necessary to maintain a lobbyist presence at the state capital. Because of a sunset clause in the statute, three renewal campaigns have been led by CATZ1994, 2004, and 2016, with a successful track record.

Rex Morgan

In advocating for financial support, Citizens for Arts to Zoo plays a critical role in the continued success and growth of cultural and scientific institutions in the seven-county Denver metropolitan area.