Commission approves up to $15,000 and forms ad hoc committee for 2026 Women's Equality Day event

City staff asked the Glendale Commission on the Status of Women to co-sponsor the city's 2026 Women's Equality Day event, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, and to appoint an ad hoc planning committee to work with staff.

Annette Khazarian of the City Manager's Office told commissioners the event is intended to "focus on women's equality, empowerment, networking, and resources," noting that last year the event welcomed "more than a 150 attendees and receiving very positive feedback." Staff recommended forming an ad hoc committee of no more than two commissioners to work directly with staff on planning and execution and recommended earmarking up to $15,000 from donated funds to ensure the event proceeds while continuing to seek sponsorships.

Commissioners discussed theme, outreach and timeline and were told staff had already begun outreach and that, because of tight timelines, the commission should select subcommittee members promptly. Staff explained Brown Act limits on subcommittee size and said student ex officio members do not count toward the two-member limit. Commissioners Carmen Arum and Nazarian were noted as the two ad hoc committee members.

A motion to authorize the ad hoc subcommittee to use up to $15,000 from donated funds to support the event was made and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote recorded as 3 yes, 0 no, with one commissioner absent. Staff said it would pursue sponsorship opportunities, finalize flyers and start outreach once the committee and theme were in place.