CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: AUGUST 26, 2026 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: APPROVE DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY MURAL PROGRAM
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Housing and Community Development
SUMMARY:
The Public Arts Commission recommends City Council approval of the Downtown Community Mural Program, which establishes a framework for community groups and nonprofits to partner with artists to install temporary murals on designated City property.
Approved murals will be installed for a minimum 12-month term before rotating to a new proposal to foster ongoing community engagement and dynamic artistic expression.
Applicant organizations are 100% responsible for all funding, permits, installation, insurance, ongoing maintenance, and eventual end-of-term deinstallation or site restoration.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Approve the Downtown Community Mural Program as recommended by the Public Arts Commission (Attachment A).
BACKGROUND:
On June 4, 2026, the Public Arts Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the proposed Community Mural Program pilot initiative. During the review, the Commission noted the necessity of explicitly referencing the municipal code's definition of a mural to ensure protections against unauthorized mural installations. The program is now being presented to the City Council for final approval.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
The Downtown Community Mural Program establishes a structured framework for temporary murals created through partnerships between artists and community groups or nonprofits. The designated pilot site for this initiative is the south three-wall building located in the downtown parking lot at the northeast corner of Tahquitz Canyon Way and Museum Drive. Murals will be installed for a defined minimum term of 12 months, after
City Council Staff Report
August 26, 2026 -- Page 2
Approve Downtown Community Mural Program
which the site becomes available for a new installation. The existing mural will remain in place until a new mural is approved, and proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Murals proposed under this program will be required to follow the same submittal, review, and permit requirements as all other murals within the City. This includes a comprehensive departmental review for technical and code compliance, formal review by the Public Arts Commission, and final authorization by the City Council. The only exception to the standard process is that these reviews and approvals will take place during regular public meetings and a public hearing will not be required.
This program will yield significant benefits for the community. By establishing a rotating mural structure, the program allows for ongoing community participation and evolving artistic expression, keeping the downtown environment dynamic and engaging. The eligibility requirements specifically target nonprofits, community organizations, and neighborhood associations, which fosters local partnerships and civic pride. Furthermore, all proposals will be reviewed and approved by the Public Arts Commission based on artistic quality, alignment with community values, and feasibility and durability, ensuring high standards for the city's public spaces.
Future Expansion and Site Identification
Because this program is launching as a pilot initiative, the Public Arts Commission is proactively planning for its potential future growth. The Commission is currently working to identify and evaluate other publicly owned sites throughout the City that may serve as ideal locations for future community murals. By actively cataloging municipal properties and facilities, the Commission aims to create a robust inventory of available spaces. This forward-looking approach ensures that if the initial pilot proves successful, the framework can seamlessly expand to activate other neighborhoods and public spaces with community-driven art.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Section 21084 of the California Public Resources Code requires Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"). The Guidelines are required to include a list of classes of projects which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment, and which are exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
In response to that mandate, the Secretary for Resources identified classes of projects that do not have a significant effect on the environment and are declared to be categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents. In accordance with Section 15304 "Minor Alterations to Land," Class 4 projects consist of "minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes" and approval of this item is considered categorically exempt from CEQA.
City Council Staff Report
August 26, 2026 -- Page 3
Approve Downtown Community Mural Program
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Infrastructure and Facilities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
A central tenet of the Downtown Community Mural Program is that it will operate at absolutely no cost to the City. The program is structured to be 100% privately funded, with no funding coming from the Public Arts Commission or the City unless explicitly directed by the City Council.
To ensure the City bears no financial burden, applicant organizations are strictly responsible for all costs and execution phases, including:
Obtaining permits and paying all associated fees.
Funding the fabrication, materials, and complete installation of the mural. Providing required insurance.
Assuming responsibility for ongoing maintenance, ensuring any damage or deterioration is repaired promptly throughout the full term. Managing the end-of-term requirements, which mandate the applicant to either remove the mural, prepare the surface for the next approved installation, or restore the site to a neutral condition.
Through this comprehensive framework, community groups propose, fund, install, and maintain the artwork while the City retains approval authority and site designation, ensuring community enhancement with zero municipal expenditure.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Jay Virata
Assistant City Manager: Flinn Fagg
City Manager: Teresa Gallavan for Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Downtown Community Mural Program