The City Council committee approved a prequalified roster of artists and support vendors intended to streamline selection and contracting for public-art projects across the city.

City staff described the list as an initial step to support more than 50 public-art projects already funded by the council. Staff said they received 227 eligible submissions and recommended 216 applicants for the roster; 58 of those applicants were highlighted for the current round of project recommendations. The prequalification process includes review panels and equity metrics that consider local representation, disability and veteran status, and collaboration capacity.

Staff outlined the timeline for project delivery—about 18 months for design, community review, fabrication and installation—and said the roster will be used for future calls for projects. The program includes a community engagement component and opportunities for students and community volunteers to participate in installations, but anyone who signs city contracts must be 18 or older.

Councilmembers asked for breakdowns by council district and urged staff to consider weighting scores for local artists in future rounds. Staff said they would re-open solicitation and provide district-level applicant lists. The committee approved the list and staff said they would bring the roster to the full City Council on March 20 for final approval and notify applicants of their status.

The motion to advance the prequalified list passed by voice vote.