City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Kevin Werner, City Administrator
Date: 06/09/2026
Subject: Poet Laureate Program Grant Funding Request
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve and authorize staff to distribute the third and final installment of Poet Laureate grant funding in the amount of $5,000 to the Ripon Arts League, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (funding source: Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County Poet Laureate Program Grant).
BACKGROUND:
On January 9, 2024, the City of Ripon received a $15,000 grant from the Library & Literacy Foundation for San Joaquin County (“Foundation”) – a philanthropic organization administered by the San Joaquin Community Foundation. The grant provides funding over a three year period to establish the City’s first Poet Laureate Program.
On February 13, 2024, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ripon Arts League to administer the Poet Laureate Program.
The Ripon Arts League has selected a Poet Laureate and completed the necessary required tasks over the first two years of the program.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The Ripon Arts League has submitted its plan of action for fiscal year 2026-27, which is attached for City Council review.
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, staff recommends distributing the third and final $5,000 installment of grant funding to the Ripon Arts League for administration of the Poet Laureate Program.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The requested $5,000 payment represents the third and final installment of the $15,000 grant awarded by the Foundation.
Attachments:
1. 26-27 RAL Poet Laureate grant request