Visual Art in Public Places Program
City of Paso Robles
Program Update and Recommendation
City Council
Goal
Enhance the lives of Paso
Robles residents and visitors by
reviewing and updating the
Arts in Public Places ordinance
and related process and
procedures
Program History
• Identified as a City priority
in the 2003 General Plan
• Municipal Code Chapter 3.21
adopted in 2005
• Established Public Art Fund
and 1% capital project setaside
• Review authority assigned to
PRAC
• Last expenditure occurred in
2009 Public Art Fund
• 2018 amendments placed
ordinance on hold
Why Public Art
Matters
• Strengthens community
identity and placemaking
• Supports local artists
• Activates public spaces
and reduces blight
• Enhances tourism and
quality of life
Shadow of the Mountain
Chorro and Hwy 101, SLO
Public Art Across
California
Over 100 municipalities facilitate
public art programs with various
funding sources:
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Maria
• Napa
• Monrovia
• San Rafael
• San Jose
• Claremont
• Carlsbad
• Petaluma
• Danville
• Palm Springs
• Dublin
• Berkeley
• Santa Clara
Economic Impact
• Arts & Culture sector draws
approximately 630,000 visitors
annually
• Generates $70.2 million in
visitor spending
• Public art is a cost-effective
economic development tool
• Alignment with Economic
Development Strategic Plan
Community
Outreach
• Survey conducted during 2025
Summer Concert Series &
distributed digitally
• 121 total respondents
• 100% support more public art
in Paso Robles
• 92% believe existing public art
enhances City character
Proposed Ordinance Update:
Chapter 3.21
3.21.010
Intent and
Purpose
3.21.020
Definitions
3.21.030
Arts and Culture
Board
3.21.040
Policies and
Guidelines
3.21.050
Funding
Authorization
3.21.060
Public Art Fund
3.21.070
Guidelines for
Acquisition and
Installation
3.21.080
Authority and
Administration
3.21.090
Placement
3.21.100
Donations
3.21.110
Deaccessioning
and Relocation
3.21.120
Appeals
Key Elements
• Creation of Arts & Culture Board
• Policies and Guidelines
• Funding Authorization and
Public Art Fund
• Guidelines for Acquisition and
Installation
• Donations
• Deaccessioning
Budget appropriate
project examples:
• Pole Banners
• Utility box wraps
• Murals
• Community program art
Key Elements
• Creation of Arts & Culture Board
• Policies and Guidelines
• Funding Authorization and
Public Art Fund
• Guidelines for Acquisition and
Installation
• Donations
• Deaccessioning
Implementation
Focus
• Recruit and onboard ACB
• Adopt placement and
selection procedures
• Develop Year 1 Workplan
Staff Recommendation
Recommend City Council adopt
Ordinance 26-XXX re-instating and
amending the Visual Art in Public
Places program and creating the
Arts & Culture Board and amend
the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Committee bylaws in support of the
reassignment of public art review
authority.