City Council Agenda Report
TO: Mayor Clauzel and Members of the City Council
FROM: Fernando Ulloa, Interim City Manager
BY: Mike Willett, Public Works Director
MEETING DATE: December 3, 2024
ITEM NO: 6.5
SUBJECT: Approve $10,000 grant to the nonprofit organization Love Patterson to fund a mural project on Las Palmas Avenue. This funding would supplement an existing allocation of $10,000 in ARPA funds for a mural on El Circulo Circle, which was previously approved by Council.
Together, these murals will enhance the visual appeal of key locations in Patterson and align with ARPA objectives for community beautification and economic revitalization.
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to Approve a $10,000 grant to the nonprofit organization Love Patterson to fund a mural project on Las Palmas Avenue. This funding would supplement an existing allocation of $10,000 in ARPA funds for a mural on El Circulo Avenue, which was previously approved by Council.
Together, these murals will enhance the visual appeal of key locations in Patterson and align with ARPA objectives for community beautification and economic revitalization.
BACKGROUND
The City of Patterson has an opportunity to support two community-driven mural projects, led by the nonprofit organization Love Patterson, aimed at enhancing key public spaces. These murals are planned for El Circulo and a second one on Las Palmas Avenue, two prominent locations that will greatly benefit from aesthetic improvements. Love Patterson, committed to managing and executing these projects, will enrich the city’s landscape, helping to foster pride and a sense of identity among residents. To support this initiative, the City Council previously authorized $10,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a mural on El Circulo.
The ARPA, enacted to provide economic relief following the COVID-19 pandemic, allows for funds to be allocated to projects that stimulate local economies, improve public spaces, and enhance community well-being. Patterson’s mural projects align with ARPA goals by beautifying public spaces, thereby encouraging economic engagement and community pride. To extend this initiative, staff recommends an additional $10,000 ARPA-funded grant to Love Patterson to complete a second mural on Las Palmas Avenue, a gateway from the East side of town. This mural will contribute to a welcoming environment that reflects Patterson’s spirit and positively impacts the city’s aesthetic appeal.
ANALYSIS
Supporting Love Patterson’s mural projects allows the City to use ARPA funds to enrich public spaces without direct involvement in project implementation. These murals are well-aligned with ARPA objectives to enhance community well-being, promote economic recovery, and invest in neighborhood beautification.
Mural on El Circulo:
The first mural, funded by an approved $10,000 ARPA allocation, will be located on El Circulo.
Managed by Love Patterson, this mural will serve as a vibrant focal point within the community, symbolizing the city’s commitment to beautification and cultural enrichment. This project has already been reviewed by and recommended for approval by the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission.
Proposed Mural on Las Palmas Avenue:
An additional $10,000 ARPA grant is recommended to support a second mural on Las Palmas Avenue. As a gateway from the East side of town, Las Palmas Avenue will benefit from this visual enhancement, creating a welcoming environment and encouraging community pride. It is recommended that this mural project also go through the same review process with the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission as the first mural project. Once it has been vetted and recommended for approval by the Commission and the Community Development Department, it would be eligible for implementation.
Alignment with ARPA Goals:
ARPA funds aim to support economic vitality and community well-being by investing in projects that stimulate recovery and beautify public spaces. Both mural projects meet these objectives by enhancing prominent areas in Patterson, fostering economic engagement, and encouraging tourism and local business activity. ARPA funds designated for such community improvements must be allocated before the end of 2024 to remain compliant with federal requirements. Through this partnership with Love Patterson, the city can efficiently meet ARPA goals while empowering a local nonprofit to lead these beautification efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT
El Circulo Mural: Previously funded with an authorized ARPA allocation of $10,000.
Las Palmas Avenue Mural: An additional $10,000 of ARPA funding is recommended for approval to be allocated through a grant to Love Patterson for the completion of a second mural project.
Total Fiscal Impact: This brings the total to $20,000 in ARPA funding, funds must be allocated by December 2024.