04/01/2025
Mayor's Office
DATE: April 1, 2025
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Eduardo Martinez
Councilmember Jimenez
Councilmember Robinson
Subject:
Amend Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S. to Establish a Biannual
Report from the Richmond Arts and Culture Division
Manager
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
May 18, 2021
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Establishing a biannual report and presentation from the Arts and Culture Division Manager will provide residents and City Councilmembers with valuable insight into the
state of the Arts in Richmond. Biannual updates will
enhance transparency, keep stakeholders informed
about ongoing projects and future plans, and create a
shared understanding of their progress and impact.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DIRECT the City Attorney’s Office to draft an amendment to Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S. requiring the Arts and
Culture Division Manager to provide a biannual written
report and deliver an in-person presentation to the City Council, with the proposed amendment to be prepared
within 45 days – Mayor’s Office (Mayor Martinez 510-
621-1275) Councilmember Jimenez (510-620-6565) and
Councilmember Robinson (510-620-6565).
AGENDA
REPORT
04/01/2025
DISCUSSION:
Currently, the City Council and the public do not receive regular updates from the Arts and Culture Division. The establishment of a biannual report and presentation would provide much-needed information and ensure that both residents and City Council members are aware of the division’s work, including public art projects, the administration of the One and a Half Percent for the Arts Fund (Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S.), and the activities of the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission (RACC).
It is important to distinguish between the Arts and Culture Division, which is a City division staffed by city employees, and the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission, which is an advisory body composed of volunteers. While the division manages funding, programs, and policies related to arts and culture, the commission provides guidance and recommendations to the City. A biannual presentation directly from the Arts and Culture Division Manager and division staff would give the City Council and the community an opportunity to understand not only what projects are being developed but also what resources and support the division’s needs from the city and its residents.
As part of their presentation, the Arts and Culture Division could provide updates on:
Public art projects and initiatives throughout the city Updates on Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S. “One and half percent (1.5%) Ordinance”, including (but not limited to) who has contributed within the calendar year and how funds are being utilized
Art and Culture Division budget, including any requests or needs from the City Council
Activities and initiatives of the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission Any challenges or barriers to advancing arts and culture in Richmond
To ensure these updates are provided in a timely manner, the biannual presentation should occur before the City Council’s summer recess and again before the end of the calendar year.
Recommendation
Direct the City Attorney’s Office to draft an amendment to Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S. requiring the Arts and Culture Division Manager to provide a biannual written report and deliver an in-person presentation to the City Council, with the proposed amendment to be prepared within 45 days.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S.