COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alex Posada, Director of Recreation & Parks
DATE: January 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Submittal of 2024 Asphalt Art Initiative Grant Application
Description:
The City Council will consider approving a grant application to Bloomberg Philanthropies for Santa Maria Asphalt Art Initiative.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submittal of a project application to Bloomberg Philanthropies Foundation for the Santa Maria Asphalt Art Initiative.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Santa Maria is committed to enhancing public spaces and improving community engagement through creative initiatives that promote public safety, art, and vibrancy. The Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative offers cities the opportunity to receive grant funding to transform streets and public spaces with large -scale art installations. One of the program's requirements is that applicants must partner with a non-profit organization to serve as the fiduciary agent for the project. To meet this requirement, the Recreation and Parks Department will partner with PLAY, Inc., a trusted local non-profit, to serve as the fiduciary agent. This partnership will allow the City to apply for up to $100,000 in funding, which would support the creation of an asphalt art project in Santa Maria. In addition to PLAY, Inc., other key partners in the project include SB Move and Youth Arts Alive, who will help support the initiative’s objectives.
DISCUSSION:
The Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative offers cities an opportunity to enhance public spaces while improving pedestrian safety, slowing traffic, and creating visually engaging urban environments. Through this grant, Santa Ma ria seeks to create a large - scale public art installation that will transform an underutilized public space into a vibrant and welcoming area for both residents and visitors.
A key requirement of the initiative is the involvement of a non -profit partner. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department will collaborate with PLAY, Inc., a local non -profit organization, to serve as the fiduciary agent for the project. PLAY, Inc. will manage the financial aspects of the grant, ensuring proper fund disbursement, compliance with grant 2 guidelines, and financial transparency. Additionally, other project partners, such as SB Move and Youth Arts Alive, will contribute their expertise in promoting pedestrian mobility and supporting youth arts programs, respectively. This m ulti-partner collaboration will ensure that the project is well -rounded, supports various community needs, and aligns with the goals of the Asphalt Art Initiative.
The Public Works Department will also play a crucial role in supporting the project by assisting with the logistics and infrastructure requirements needed for the successful implementation of the art installations. The combination of these partnerships will allow the City to create an impactful, collaborative project that engages the community a nd transforms public spaces.
Alternative(s)
The City Council could decline the opportunity to apply for funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies and not pursue the asphalt art project at this time. Without this funding, the City would not be able to undertake a large-scale public art project in the near future, and other funding sources would need to be identified to pursue similar initiatives.
Fiscal Considerations
The City would be applying for full funding for the project through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Asphalt Art Initiative. There would be no immediate fiscal obligation from the City’s general fund, as the grant is designed to cover the full costs of the art installation and any associated enhancements. If the grant is awarded, the City will manage the project in accordance with the terms outlined by Bloomberg Philanthropies, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
Impact to the Community
The proposed asphalt art project has the potential to positively impact the Santa Maria community in several keyways. First, it will enhance the aesthetics of public spaces, making the city more visually appealing for residents, visitors, and businesses . Second, by improving pedestrian safety through creative designs that increase visibility and slow traffic, the project could help reduce accidents and make public spaces more inviting and accessible. Finally, the project will provide opportunities for co mmunity engagement by involving local artists and residents in the creation and celebration of the artwork. This will strengthen the sense of pride and ownership among community members while fostering a stronger connection to public spaces.
ATTACHMENTS
A: Resolution- 2024 Asphalt Art Initiative Project Application B: Asphalt Art