MOTION BY Commissioner Jerry Drake, SECONDED BY Commissioner Robert Coberly to EXCUSE Commissioner Carole Palmer. The motion carried by the following vote:

AYE:

Chair Nancy Love, Vice Chair Kyoko Iwasaka, Commissioner Jerry Drake, Commissioner Laura Fries, Commissioner Kimberly Hill, Commissioner Steve Adler, Commissioner Robert Coberly, Commissioner Ryan Williams

Other:

Commissioner Carole Palmer (Absent)

Passed - Unanimously

Chairman Nancy Love opened the retreat by thanking the commissioners and guests for attending and expressed appreciation for their continued dedication. She also extended heartfelt gratitude to staff for their ongoing support and the work they do to strengthen the commission’s efforts. She shared that she looked forward to getting to know fellow commissioners throughout the day and hearing from the presenters who attended the retreat.

Mayor Joe Pizzillo opened the retreat by welcoming commissioners and guests and inviting everyone to introduce themselves, share their professional background, and note how long they have lived in Goodyear. He shared his own history with the city, reflecting on Goodyear’s growth and its longstanding support of public art. Mayor Pizzillo also highlighted upcoming city initiatives and future areas of planned growth.

Deputy Director Guylene Ozlanski shared a message of appreciation and encouragement with the Arts & Culture Commissioners, expressing gratitude for their commitment to Goodyear’s cultural growth and community impact. She led the group in an interactive icebreaker activity designed to spark creativity and connection before transitioning into a discussion on how commissioners contribute to the city’s overall arts ecosystem. Deputy Director Ozlanski emphasized the importance of collaboration, team structure, and shared purpose as the Commission continues advancing its goals and strengthening the role of public art across Goodyear.

Planning Manager Christian Williams provided an overview of how Development Services supports city growth and how public art aligns with Goodyear’s strategic goals. The presentation covered the development review process, public involvement, and the legal frameworks guiding planning. A major focus was the Goodyear General Plan, which identifies arts and culture as key to community identity and economic vitality, including policies that integrate public art into public and private development. The zoning ordinance and design guidelines outline where and how public art and murals can be used, including requirements for multifamily projects, incentives for large commercial sites, and expectations for gateway corridors. Examples of recent developments incorporating art were shared, and commissioners were invited to discuss how planning processes connect to their role in shaping Goodyear’s cultural landscape.

The Commission received a presentation on arts advocacy from the CEO of Sedona Arts Center, Julie Richard, focusing on how commissioners can use their voices to support and expand arts initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. The presentation emphasized the cultural, educational, and economic value of the arts, and highlighted the importance of building relationships, sharing stories, and supporting advocacy with data. Commissioners reviewed the roles of key decision-makers, common policy issues affecting the arts, and practical ways to engage in advocacy, including attending public meetings, supporting local artists, speaking during public comment, and staying informed on funding priorities. The session concluded with a discussion on the importance of public art in shaping Goodyear’s identity and how commissioners can serve as ambassadors for the city’s arts and culture efforts.

Deputy Director Guylene Ozlanski, Arts & Culture Superintendent Dawn Stipe, and Arts & Culture Coordinator Layne Ruiz presented an overview of how the Arts & Culture team collaborates to achieve Commission goals. Their presentation emphasized the importance of a clear team structure, aligned responsibilities, and strengthened coordination among staff and commissioners to support public art, programs, and events throughout the city. They highlighted how each role contributes to the broader arts ecosystem, reinforcing shared purpose and partnership in delivering impactful cultural initiatives for the Goodyear community.