Planning staff reports strong turnout for housing workshops; public-art RFP released

Planning staff updated the commission on several ongoing projects. Staff said the second round of public workshops for the housing development accelerator drew strong community turnout and that the consultant team is preparing a community-engagement summary that will be posted on the city projects page when ready.

Staff also announced that the Public Arts and Culture Commission has released a request for proposals through the planning division for a public-arts planner to lead community engagement and define a process to commission public art for a new Columbus Avenue streetscape; proposals are due April 20. Commissioners were told the selected team will hold public meetings and help select an artist.

Finally, staff said they expect an update on the State Theater within two to three weeks and that a small group of commissioners will initially meet with theater representatives before a public briefing. The commission acknowledged the updates and asked staff to keep commissioners informed as the projects proceed.