Staff's recommendations are taken to the Public Art Advisory Committee and the Commission for review and approval. They are then incorporated into an Annual Plan for Public Art and submitted to the City Council. The inclusion of a public art program, in both public and private developments, will allow the City to increase the types and number of cultural and artistic amenities it offers to residents, workers, and visitors. As Richmond's image is enhanced, it becomes a more desirable place to work, live and visit. As more people move to or work in Richmond, businesses expand, more services are provided, and the tax base supporting the infrastructure grows and improves accordingly.
Residents can participate in the program in many ways.
They can suggest potential sites and concepts for public art in their neighborhoods. They can serve as liaisons between the neighborhood and the city, or the neighborhood and the artist selected to work on a project. Citizens are commonly asked to serve on selection panels and to review artists' design proposals. Almost all major cities nationwide currently sponsor public art programs, including New York, Chicago, San Diego, Los Angeles, and others. Local programs include those in San Jose, San Francisco, Davis, Sacramento, Oakland, Hayward, and Fremont.