Create “Reset” Coming in January 2026

Dear CCX Create Volunteers,

We want to share an important update: CCX Create will be undergoing a reset in January 2026. Due to CCX Media’s declining revenue, staff members have been working this summer on cutting the 2026 budget and reducing services. These changes impact every single department at CCX Media, including CCX Create.

Why Reset CCX Create?

The reset of CCX Create stems from already reduced staffing and a need to modernize the program based on how the space is used and how similar centers operate today. This reset improves how we manage key areas—training, memberships, equipment and studio access—so the public access program can continue to serve the community in a modern, sustainable way.

The upcoming changes include new member management software that allows members to book spaces and manage their access, updated hours that reflect current use patterns, and program scheduling changes. Revisiting the timeslot system, centralizing the upload process, and setting clear expectations for members and volunteers—along with establishing membership fees and restructuring facility hours—will help make the program more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.

Create volunteers in the control room

Upcoming Changes Include:

New member management software for bookings and access
We hope members can book studio time, check out gear, and manage their membership on a downloadable mobile app. The current system RueShare is underutilized and no longer serving our needs.

Updated hours based on current usage patterns
Public access hours will be adjusted to reflect actual usage patterns, CAC volunteer survey results, and staff input. CCX Create currently offers more staffed hours than any other access center in Minnesota, and we also provide coverage when Coordinator Adam Estrem is away. Restructuring hours will help align resources with demand.

Revisions to the timeslot system
The current timeslot system for facilities and equipment reservations has not been updated since mid-2020, resulting in unused studio space and a complicated scheduling process. Some members continue to hold slots without submitting new content. To ensure productive use of studio space, members will be required to reapply for time slots under updated rules.

Centralized content upload process
Scheduling for CCX 2 and 3 requires significant staff time. We plan to create a centralized content upload system, requiring members to submit content there. This will streamline scheduling and free staff resources for other priorities. We are also investigating other processes to streamline scheduling.

Clear expectations for volunteers and members
The Create Action Committee has discussed the importance of creating a more self-sufficient member and volunteer experience. Staff will be outlining clearer expectations to support this shift.

Introduction of membership fees and a restructured facility schedule
We plan to introduce membership fees, consistent with other community media centers. These fees will help offset operating costs, reduce unused studio reservations, and place greater value on Create time and space. By increasing commitment, we expect to build a more engaged member community.

Alongside membership fees, we will continue offering free orientation but will implement paid training classes. This model reflects standard practices at other centers, can possibly reduce the no-show rate, and ensures more efficient use of staff resources.

Scholarships will be available.

Studios are sometimes reserved for entire blocks but only partially used. We are reconfiguring booking lengths to maximize availability and allow more members to access the space.

When will members and volunteers find out more?

Staff at CCX Media plan to share all updates through email, social media, our website, and in-person at Create to ensure members are fully informed and supported throughout the transition. There will be opportunities for Q&A and for training. Members of the Create Action Committee have requested a FAQ sheet, and we’re working on that too. Our plan is to be as transparent as possible, and we will send out the next update in two weeks.

Thank you for being a CCX Create Volunteer. Please feel free to reach out with questions at Create@CCXMedia.org 

Sincerely,

Shannon Slatton Schwartz, Executive Director

Tamisha Touray, Member and Client Services Director

Adam Estrem, Create Coordinator