SUBJECT
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Consideration to approve the Public Art Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027. Proposed projects will activate public spaces, reflect Laredo’s rich cultural heritage, encourage community participation, and expand access to public art. Funding will be available through the Public Arts Funding Source: Certificate of Obligation Bonds for 2022, 2023, and 2024, together with Public Arts Funding by District: Certificate of Obligation Bonds for 2019, in an amount not to exceed the available allocations from these sources.body
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2019-O-177 on October 21, 2019, establishing the Public Arts Program.
City Council approved the FY 2025-2026 Public Art Annual Plan on October 6, 2025, under File No. 25-1729. The proposed FY 2027 Annual Plan includes the continuation of projects approved under that plan.
City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-O-136 on August 3, 2026, amending Division 4, governing the Public Arts Program, and Division 5, governing the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND
The Laredo Art Master Plan, the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, and ordinance no. 2019-O-177 were developed to build a long-term plan to foster creativity, civic pride, and encourage art in public spaces.
Planning for the FY 2027 Public Art Annual Plan was introduced to the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee at its April 16, 2026 meeting, with opportunities for member input at subsequent meetings. The proposed plan includes the continuation of previously approved projects and new initiatives that expand community participation and access to public art.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 9.4: Create vibrant community
Policy 9.4.17: Encourage art in public places and in business.
Policy 10.1.3: Enter into partnerships with the school districts and the institutions of higher education to increase educational opportunities and improve student performance.
Goal 10.2: Recognize local and regional arts and culture as the foremost indicator of the community’s unique identity and support its development to cultivate civic pride and identity and as an essential component to economic development and for attracting and retaining talent.
Policy: 10.2.1: Establish a Commission on Arts and Culture. The Commission would help realize the goals of the Public Arts Plan.
Summary of alignment: The FY 2027 Public Art Annual Plan supports these goals and policies by expanding accessible public art in City-owned spaces, encouraging community participation, and strengthening partnerships with school districts and institutions of higher education to create arts learning opportunities. Projects will reflect Laredo’s cultural identity, cultivate civic pride, and contribute to vibrant public spaces.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The committee reviewed the proposed FY 2027 Public Art Annual Plan and provided input on project themes and potential locations.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 26-27
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: Certificate of Obligations Bonds 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024
Account #: Click or tap here to enter text.
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: Click or tap here to enter text.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Certificate of Obligation Bonds for 2022, 2023, and 2024, together with Public Arts Funding by District: Certificate of Obligation Bonds for 2019