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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Glendale Poet Laureate program
1. Motion to approve the Glendale Poet Laureate program.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for June 3, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the September 27, 2022, meeting, the City Council recognized the importance of, and approved, a pilot Poet Laureate program. Since then, the Glendale Poet Laureate program, which officially began in 2023, has successfully represented the City and enriched its cultural landscape by hosting poetry workshops, public readings, and community engagement activities, all coordinated through the Library, Arts & Culture Department.
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RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council approve a Poet Laureate Program.
ANALYSIS
At their July 12, 2022 meeting, the City Council directed staff to prepare a report on the creation of a Poet Laureate program for the City of Glendale. Library, Arts & Culture (LAC) staff conducted a review of Poet Laureate programs across Southern California and nationwide, consulting with program coordinators to gather insights.
Poet Laureate programs, prevalent at various levels of government, aim to engage communities through poetry. Based on successful models, LAC proposed a baseline scope of work for the Glendale Poet Laureate, which includes developing at least four community programs annually, writing a poem to celebrate Glendale’s culture and diversity for National Poetry Month, reading poetry at four city events, and contributing quarterly to the LAC blog.
This proposal was approved on September 27, 2022, and Raffi Joe Wartanian was selected to fulfill this role in March 2023. Wartanian was appointed as the inaugural Poet Laureate for a one-year term (2023–2024), which was renewed for 2024–2025.
Since its inception, the Poet Laureate program has promoted the art of poetry through workshops, readings, and various forms of community engagement. The position also serves as an ambassador for Glendale’s vibrant culture and diversity at public events.
During his tenure as Poet Laureate of Glendale, Wartanian has introduced a wide range of literary services and programs, with a strong emphasis on poetry workshops, public readings, and community engagement. He has led six workshops that have reached over 200 participants, with current sessions drawing more than 50 attendees. His work has brought 17 local poets to the Glendale community, including California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick, and he has represented the City at numerous events, delivering 22 public readings and leading three community poetics sessions. In 2024, Wartanian launched the Jewel City Review, an annual poetry publication, and is currently preparing its second edition, which will feature 126 original poems by 52 poets. Additional contributions include eight press interviews, four event announcements, a dedicated website with blog and poem posts, and active participation in staff planning and community consultations.
The term for the Poet Laureate will be two years, with the option to extend the term by one year. The selection process will include an application and interview process. The selection panel will include City staff, one to two ACC Commissioners, one to two poetry experts (i.e., Poet Laureate from a nearby community), and one to two other stakeholders (partners at GUSD, GCC, etc.). Poets would submit written applications, including a writing sample; a resume showcasing publication history, experience in public speaking, teaching, and/or public performances, and community outreach service and/or volunteering and a brief proposal for a community outreach program that engages communities of diverse backgrounds.
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The panel will interview finalists, and the selected Poet Laureate will be announced at a City Council meeting.
Upon approval of this motion, staff will offer the option to extend the current Poet Laureate, Raffi Joe Wartanian’s term, for a third and final year.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Staff have promoted the program through the City’s and LAC’s social media channels and outreach to print and television media outlets. Wartanian collaborated with regional stakeholders including NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, LA County Arts, California’s Poet Laureate, Getty Foundation, UCLA Promise Institute of Armenian Studies, USC Institute of Armenian Studies, Pasadena City College, and others. The Glendale Poet Laureate has also appeared at City Council in his role as Poet Laureate on April 4, 2023, April 11, 2023, and October 10, 2023, to lead the Invocation.
FISCAL IMPACT
The professional services agreement stipulates a total maximum compensation of $8,000 for the one-year term, paid in installments upon the successful completion of each program phase. The Poet Laureate will also receive an additional budget of up to $7,000 for program-related expenses. This program will be funded by the Urban Art Fund and has been included as part of the Proposed FY 2025-26 Budget.
Proposed FY 2025-26 Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$8,000 43110-2100-0010-P4148 Urban Art Fund
$7,000 45350-2100-0010-P4148 Urban Art Fund
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Because no possibility exists that the activity in question (Poet Laureate Program) may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA review under the common sense exemption set forth in 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3).
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
1: The City Council may deny the request of approving the Poet Laureate program, which will result in the conclusion of the Poet Laureate program on June 30, 2025. 2: City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
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Submitted by:
Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, Director of Library, Arts & Culture Prepared by:
Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, Director of Library, Arts & Culture Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS