The Sammamish City Council took a significant step towards enhancing the local arts scene by adopting the city’s first-ever Art Strategic Plan during their meeting on June 17, 2025. This plan aims to provide a structured framework for supporting arts and culture in the community, addressing a long-standing need for guidance and consistency in the city’s artistic initiatives.

Anjali Maia, the director of Parks and Recreation, presented the plan, highlighting its importance in establishing a clear roadmap for both city staff and the Arts Commission. The commission, which has been active since 2003, had previously operated without a formal guiding document. The newly adopted plan, which received unanimous support from the commission, is expected to enhance the city’s cultural offerings and ensure that investments in the arts yield tangible benefits for residents.

The strategic plan outlines several key goals, including defining the roles of arts commissioners, establishing consistent procedures for public art programming, and recommending strategies for funding and grants. It also includes a long-term public art work plan, which aims to foster a vibrant arts community in Sammamish.

The development of the plan involved extensive community engagement and feedback from both the council and the Arts Commission. Over the past year, the city’s consultant, Framework, conducted a thorough inventory of existing arts programs and gathered input from residents to shape the plan’s direction.

The Art Strategic Plan is organized into four main chapters, beginning with an introduction and executive summary that outlines its purpose. Subsequent chapters provide a snapshot of current programs, such as public art installations and community events, while also detailing the city’s role in promoting arts and culture.

This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through cultural enrichment. As Sammamish moves forward with the implementation of the Art Strategic Plan, community members can look forward to a more vibrant and accessible arts landscape that aligns with the city’s broader goals for community engagement and development.