Green Bay — The Green Bay Public Arts Commission voted Sept. 24 to approve a request-for-qualifications (RFQ) process to select the city’s first poet laureate, and to recommend a stipend increase from $2,000 to $3,000 annually plus up to $1,000 for additional costs.

Commissioners said the RFQ will be a two-step process: an initial submission to demonstrate artistic merit and community connection, followed by a finalist phase in which up to five candidates would be asked to submit fuller proposals describing planned activities during a two-year term.

Commissioner Matt, who presented the staff report and the recommended changes developed by public arts staff, said the initial application would include a CV or resume, a letter of interest and four to eight recent poems or literary works produced within the previous five years. After evaluation the commission would pick up to five finalists to submit detailed proposals and potentially be interviewed by external reviewers, Matt said.

Matt said the packet names several possible outside experts to help review finalists, including Brenda Cardenas, Nakisha Roberts Washington and Dasha Kelly. The commission discussed outreach priorities that could include work with the school district, the public library and local bookstores such as Lions Mill.

The commission also discussed program expectations. Matt said finalists should describe how they would engage residents through workshops, performances and collaborations, and that the city expects the poet laureate to present work at city events. Commissioners removed a fixed requirement for a set number of new original pieces and instead will ask candidates to state in their proposals how many original works they would produce within program parameters.

The staff packet lists a timeline that includes finalist notification on Dec. 5 and interviews Dec. 15–19, with a public announcement anticipated in early January 2026; presenters noted the selection will require Common Council approval and the announcement date may shift to align with council meetings. Matt said applicants must be at least 18 years old.

After discussion the commission moved to approve the RFQ process; members called the motion and recorded that it carried by voice vote. No roll-call vote tally was provided in the meeting audio.

The commission asked staff to finalize application-format details (file types and submission clarity) before the RFQ is published and to coordinate the schedule to ensure alignment with Common Council approval.