AgdaPkt 2016-06-13 Interview and Joint SA PFA

Browse Search

7.D. - Page 2 The Culture and Arts Element in Redwood City's General Plan sets forth the following Goals and Programs: • Goal BC-11: Establish Redwood City as the pre-eminent location for arts and culture on the Peninsula. • Program BC-42: Public Art Program. Create vibrant and appealing public spaces by integrating art into new development and existing sites. • Program BC-42 Funding Sources: Annual City Art Funding, Grants, Developer Fees, and Fundraising. The Civic Cultural Commission and the Public Art Task Force recommended that staff research the viability of creating a public art program, identify best practices used in other cities, and consider assessment of a determined percentage of fees on both City capital projects and on commercial development projects. Staff found that many cities in the Bay Area and across the country have established similar policies through the adoption of Ordinances that address ongoing funding sources for public art efforts. Staff specially researched examples from the cities of Berkeley, Los Altos, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz, Seattle and Walnut Creek. Further, in 2015, the City initiated the "Partnership Redwood City" public outreach process, asking residents their opinion of what are the most important things to ask of developers when building in Redwood City. The two most mentioned issues were "Housing" and "Public Art". The City Council approved the Affordable Housing Impact Fee Ordinance at their meeting on December 7, 2015. The proposed ordinance addresses the second item, "Public Art," identified by residents. ANALYSIS The City Council has committed to public art over the years and on many levels, including appropriating funding to the Civic Cultural Commission to distribute art grants; funding numerous mural projects; engaging residents to support cultural events and art initiatives; establishing the Public Art Task Force; adopting the Culture and Arts Element in the General Plan; and adopting the Public Art Master Plan. Much like what many other cities have recognized, the City Council values what public art brings to a community, such as: • Promoting vibrancy and improving the quality of life • Defining cultural uniqueness and sense of place • Building community • Improving the image, environment and character of the City • Illuminating the diversity and history of the community • Creating and nurturing positive community interactions and conversation • Fostering the economic development of the community To achieve these goals staff recommends adopting the proposed Ordinance. The requirements of the Ordinance are substantially similar to those imposed by other cities.