Glendale commission approves formation of fundraising ad hoc and discusses Women in STEM panel

Commission leadership proposed formal fundraising efforts at the May 11 meeting, describing plans for ad hoc subcommittees and community‑facing events to expand the commission’s reach and raise resources.

"This really came together as collaboration," Chair Romella Mark Markarian said, urging broad participation and caution in allocating limited funds so that "the deserving organizations will receive the funds and support." Staff advised that ad hoc subcommittees must follow the Brown Act limits on commissioner participation and suggested a steering committee model for broader community involvement.

Student commissioners and ex officio members proposed a Women in STEM career panel intended for students and community members; mid‑June was suggested as a target date, and staff said the commission’s June 8 meeting could include a follow‑up agenda item to finalize details. Commissioners discussed partnering with Caltech, Tech Week and Glendale Community College and noted that using a city facility could reduce costs to the commission.

Staff also reported the commission fund balance: a starting balance of $74,982 on July 1, 2024, revenue of $23,000 in 2025, expenses of $25,325 in 2025, and a current balance of $72,008.50. Staff said the fund is a non‑general‑fund balance overseen by the city and that it would be carried forward in the upcoming budget process.

Provenance: fundraising proposal began discussion at SEG 1674; STEM event planning and financials were discussed through SEG 2027.