Walnut Creek's Arts Commission will weigh the city's Public Art Fund budget and consider receiving the Lesher Center for the Arts' annual report when it meets Monday, Oct. 19.
The meeting agenda includes three presentations under the consideration section: the Public Art Fund budget for fiscal years 2028 and 2029, a Public Art Annual Report for FY2026, and the General Plan Existing Conditions Report and Draft Vision Statement. The Lesher Center, Center Rep and Bedford Gallery Annual Report for FY2026 is listed separately on the consent calendar as a receive-and-file item.
The commission received and filed the Center for Community Arts Annual Report for FY2025 in January, according to meeting minutes. At that same meeting, commissioners unanimously approved revised public art site location No. 2 and the community center’s exterior wall at the Heather Farm Park Aquatic & Community Center, along with selection panelists for a request for proposals.
The Public Art Fund draws from a city requirement that developers of qualifying private construction and alteration projects either install public art worth at least 1% of total building construction value or pay an equivalent fee into the fund, according to the Bedford Gallery's developer guide. Some projects qualify for reductions or exemptions. Public Art Manager Marija Nelson Bleier guides developers through compliance with the ordinance, according to the gallery.
The General Plan presentation ties into the city's ongoing General Plan 2050 update. The Walnut Creek City Council adopted a consultant services agreement for that update at its March 17 meeting, according to the city's General Plan page.
Chair Peter Magnani and Vice Chair Netsanet Tesfay lead the commission, which advises the City Council on arts and culture programs. Kris Farro, the city's arts and recreation director, serves as staff contact.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 1666 N. Main St. Residents can also watch on the city's YouTube channel or on Comcast Channel 28 within incorporated Walnut Creek, Rossmoor Channel 1082, Astound Channel 31 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99.
Written comments can be emailed to [email protected] before or during the meeting. Comments received by 4 p.m. Oct. 19 will be provided to commissioners and posted on the city’s website as part of the meeting record. Comments received after that cutoff or during the meeting will be provided to commissioners the following day.
In-person speakers get two minutes each, unless the chair announces a different limit.
The commission also will consider approving its 2027 meeting schedule. The next regular meeting after Monday is listed on the agenda for Jan. 25, 2027, at 6 p.m.
