Ordinance Introduction
Civic Arts Committee
Jennifer Rosas, Business Manager
Community Development Department
October 20, 2025
Background
• The Civic Arts Committee (CAC) was formed in 2008 as a special advisory committee
• Subject to section 6.09 of the City Charter, the CAC has been renewed every two years since it was established
• On March 3, 2025 the City Council directed staff to bring the CAC appointment process and term limits into alignment
with other boards and commissions
Recent Artwork
Racial Equity Art Mural, Artist: Rafael Blanco Remembrance Poppy, Fallen Heros Art Memorial, Central Park, Artist: RRM Design Group
Kiku Crossing (above), Artist: Harumo Sato
Purpose of Amendments
• The CAC serves an ongoing function to support the Art in Public Places Program
• To implement term limits and change the appointment process requires changing the CAC to a standing commission
• A new section under Title 2 of the Municipal Code may be established to create the standing Civic Arts Commission • Sections of Chapter 23.60 must be updated to reflect the name change and remove references to the required composition of appointed seats
Commission Composition
• Per SMMC 23.60, the current CAC composition requirements:
• Chamber of Commerce Representative
• AIA Architect Representative
• Professional Artist Representative
• Planning Commission Representative
• City Arts of San Mateo Representative
• Per the new SMMC 2.22, CAC composition requirements:
• Five members appointed by the Council, with standard term limits • Priority for applicants who display an interest in and appreciation of art, architecture, local business, or the broader art community Recommendation
Introduce Ordinance to add SMMC Chapter 2.22 and amend SMMC
23.60 to update the Civic Arts Committee to be a standing city commission and change the name to Civic Arts Commission • Adoption would be scheduled for the next regularly schedule City Council meeting and go into effect 30 days after
• This ensures that the update appointment process will be included in the spring recruitment for all boards and commissions