“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” Consideration of Establishing a
Poet Laureate Program for the
City of Manhattan
Beach
October 6, 2026
2CITY OF
MANHATTAN BEACH
“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” • Poet Laureate Program has been on the Parks
and Recreation (Cultural Arts Commission) work
plan since 2025
• Proposed as a two-year program recognizing a
local poet as a cultural ambassador
• Poet Laureate would provide readings,
educational programs, community engagement,
and original work
• Proposed program includes minimum annual
deliverables and City-supported programming
Background
OCTOBER 6, 2026
CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A POET LAUREATE PROGRAM FOR THE CI TY OF MANHATTAN BEACH 3CITY OF
MANHATTAN BEACH
“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” • Public Arts Fund balance: $1,663,362
• Unallocated balance: $653,868
• Poet Laureate compensation: $8,000
over two years
• Materials budget: up to $5,000; total
proposed allocation: $13,000
Fiscal Implication
OCTOBER 6, 2026
CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A POET LAUREATE PROGRAM FOR THE CI TY OF MANHATTAN BEACH 4CITY OF
MANHATTAN BEACH
“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” • Poetry provides cultural, creative, and civic value
to the community
• Existing opportunities already support local
poetry, including the Poetry Circle and youth
programs
• Formal program would require ongoing staff
time for recruitment, contracts, programming,
and administration
• Program would require staff to administer a
specialized area outside the Department’s
primary expertise
Discussion
OCTOBER 6, 2026
CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A POET LAUREATE PROGRAM FOR THE CI TY OF MANHATTAN BEACH 5CITY OF
MANHATTAN BEACH
“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” • Do not establish a Poet Laureate Program at
this time
• Focus resources on core programs and
higher-priority community arts and
recreation initiatives
• Reconsider the program if broader
community need, dedicated resources, or a
sustainable community partnership develops
Staff Recommendation
OCTOBER 6, 2026
CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A POET LAUREATE PROGRAM FOR THE CI TY OF MANHATTAN BEACH 6CITY OF
MANHATTAN BEACH
“Note: This PowerPoint presentation is intended solely as a visual aid to an oral staff presentation of an agenda report topic. In the event of any differences between the presentation and the agenda report, the information in the agenda report prevails.” • Staff recognizes the value of poetry and the
contributions of the local poetry community
• Existing programs provide opportunities for
residents to participate in poetry
• The proposed program would add
administrative and ongoing staff
responsibilities
Conclusion
OCTOBER 6, 2026
CONSIDERATION OF ESTABLISHING A POET LAUREATE PROGRAM FOR THE CI TY OF MANHATTAN BEACH