WARREN — City Council voted Wednesday to establish a Public Art Commission, that aims to enhance the city’s cultural landscape by promoting local artists and streamlining the installation of public art.

The ordinance, passed unanimously, creates a five-member committee to oversee art projects at no cost to the city as it will be funded by a four-year grant from the Ohio Arts Council.

According to the legislation, the commission will guide the selection, approval and maintenance of public art, such as sculptures, murals and installations, ensuring they align with Warren’s cultural and urban planning goals.

The committee, which will be appointed by Warren Mayor Doug Franklin, will include two local artists, an arts expert, a city official and a community member with experience in planning or cultural development. Members will serve three-year terms, with the option for one additional term.

Councilwoman Honyea Price, D-6th Ward, who introduced the legislation, talked about its focus on promoting local talent.

“My biggest concern was to promote local artists and cultural representation,” Price said during a caucus meeting before the vote.

She said she had prior discussions with the mayor to outline the proposal.

Jessica King of the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County spoke to council about the legislation, which was developed after a citywide public art inventory and consultations with other Ohio communities.

“We’re trying to create a process for the installation of public art so it’s easier for people interested in community development,” King told council members.

The committee will guide artists through city guidelines, ensuring projects are safe, appropriate and sustainable without dictating artistic content.

Warren Safety Service Director Eddie Colbert raised concerns about integrating the commission with the city’s design review process, noting delays in downtown projects because of a lack of a contract with Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp. (WRAP).

“This may be a perfect opportunity to address design review legislation,” Colbert said, suggesting the commission could help resolve stalled projects, including one of King’s.

However, council opted to pass the ordinance without amending the design review process, leaving that issue for future discussion.

Warren Law Director Enzo Cantalamessa supported the measure, saying that the committee would establish standards for approving public art.

“It’s fine as is,” he said, addressing concerns about the term “policy” in the legislation.

The commission will meet quarterly, hold public input sessions and submit recommendations to the city’s Engineering, Planning and Building Department. Projects in the downtown historic district also will require Design Review Board approval.

The ordinance includes a conflict-of-interest policy to ensure transparency, requiring members to disclose and recuse themselves from decisions involving personal or financial ties.

King said the initiative, backed by the Ohio Arts Council grant, would enrich Warren’s cultural identity and engage the community without burdening city finances.