Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2025

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believes that the strongest rationale for public art is its use as an economic development tool, one that creates a desirable image of the community and draws people to live, work, or visit the community. He stated that he believes art impacts each individual differently and each person views it gains their own benefit from their perspective. He gave the example of the inclusion of public art in a recent city hall renovation and said that art gave the project `a little spark' and created a more inviting building. He believes that everybody benefits by public art and an individual's experience will vary with the person. He noted that some residents have expressed concern for taxes in regard to public art, but does believe the majority are supportive. The city makes art accessible and provides education and promotion of the installations. The biggest cost concern of the city is for long-term maintenance and removal of the structures at the end of their life. The City's public art policy addresses these concerns. Occasionally, the city has experienced controversy over public art installations. He referenced recent artwork supporting the gay community and artwork in support of people of color. He believed that his authorization of those installations was "a good idea in light of what we are going through right now as a society." Elected oTicial The Mayor of Community A believes that public art has a very strong impact on the community. He stated that the economic impact has been studied and that public art has been shown to has a positive return on investment. In addition to the economic impact, the benefit of public art is that it helps tells the city's story. It provides a way for the city to highlight its unique cultures, to share its history, and to recognize the diversity of its residents with the intention of bringing the community together. The comments he gets from residents are mostly positive and that people appreciate the quality of life in the community. He believes that public 94