May 27, 2025
City Attorney's Office
DATE: May 27, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Dave Aleshire, City Attorney
Shannon Moore, Chief Assistant City Attorney
James Atencio, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Subject:
Establish a Biannual Report from the Richmond Arts and
Culture Division
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
May 18, 2021
April 1, 2025
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:
INTRODUCE an Ordinance (first reading) amending
Richmond Municipal Code Chapter 6.50 for the
Richmond Arts and Culture Division Manager to provide
a written report and a presentation to the Council on a biannual basis regarding art projects being developed in the City – City Attorney’s Office (Shannon Moore 510-
620-6505/James Atencio 510-620-6504).
DISCUSSION:
On April 1, 2025, the Council directed staff to amend RMC Chapter 6.50 (Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S.) to require the Richmond Arts and Culture Division Manager to provide a AGENDA
REPORT
May 27, 2025
biannual written report and deliver an in-person presentation to the City Council.
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 will 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 (established in Ordinance No. 08-21 N.S.), and the activities of the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission (RACC).
As part of their presentation, the proposed ordinance amendment provides that the Arts and Culture Division would 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 is required to occur before the City Council no later than June and December of each calendar year.
Recommendation
Approve an amendment to RMC Chapter 6.50. requiring the Arts and Culture Division Manager to provide a biannual written report and deliver an in-person presentation to the City Council,
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proposed Ordinance Amendment