Tourism committee asks staff to develop public‑art funding ordinance with planning and counsel

The San Benito County Tourism Committee on Dec. 10 instructed staff to explore and develop a draft ordinance to create a dedicated funding mechanism for public art across the county, aiming to provide a sustainable revenue stream for installations and artist opportunities.

Jennifer Lawrence of the San Benito County Arts Council told the committee the county needs a funding mechanism to move beyond one‑time grants and piecemeal projects. "Without it, it is very difficult to fund," Lawrence said, noting the county has benefited from projects such as the Washington Street underpass mural and Dunne Park benches. She said the Arts Council has worked to compare percent‑for‑art approaches used elsewhere and recommended an ordinance that would allow developers either to install required public art or pay an in‑lieu fee to the county.

During questions, staff and Arts Council members said the draft ordinance would likely include a valuation threshold — staff mentioned approximately $150,000 — that would trigger the fee for new construction or major subdivisions, while excluding minor residential renovations and single‑family homes. Committee members asked for clarity on thresholds for major subdivisions versus single‑home projects and on other exemptions; staff said clear language would be added to the draft to avoid confusion.

Public commenters, including muralist Julian Torres and artist educator Vanessa Prudencio, urged the county to create more opportunities for local artists, citing past community projects and economic benefits. One committee member also voiced concern about preserving 'real' artist work and said, "If I could have my way, I would ban all AI art slots." That comment was recorded as a policy preference, not a formal ordinance provision.

Committee members agreed the planning department, county counsel and the Arts Council should collaborate on a draft ordinance. The committee recommended that staff also invite the cities (Hollister and San Juan Bautista) to consider similar programs so jurisdictions can coordinate funding and possibly pool resources in the future. Staff will return with a draft ordinance for further review and referral to the Board of Supervisors.