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Council gives first reading to ordinance creating Dearborn Arts and Culture Commission

Dearborn City Council · January 14, 2026

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Summary

Council held the first reading of an ordinance to establish a Dearborn Arts and Culture Commission as an advisory body to plan public art and cultural programs; Leslie Herrick and others urged the council to adopt the commission at second reading.

The Dearborn City Council on Jan. 13 gave first reading to an ordinance to establish a Dearborn Arts and Culture Commission, an advisory panel the administration and council say will help plan public‑art projects, advise on cultural programming, and coordinate city and community partners.

Council President Pro Tem El Sawafi introduced the measure, which would add Article 3, Division 5A, Sec. 2‑455 to the administrative chapter (Chapter 2) of the city code. The ordinance specifies the body will serve in an advisory capacity and will not have regulatory authority.

Leslie Herrick, a former council president pro tem who spoke during public comment, praised the proposal as a way to "acknowledge the value of public art" and said data show arts programs can boost economic growth, social cohesion and civic engagement. Council members thanked past leaders who helped craft the proposal and said the commission will provide long‑range planning for cultural projects.

This item was presented as the first of two readings; council indicated it would return for a second reading and possible adoption following the required process.