Commission on Equity endorses draft Poet Laureate Program Policy in Lacey 

The City of Lacey could fund its poet laureate position with up to $5,500 annually under a policy the Commission on Equity recommended, ending three years of volunteer-only service. 

The commission voted unanimously at a meeting on Monday, Nov. 24, to endorse the draft Poet Laureate Program Policy and send it to the city council for further review. 

The draft policy requires appointees to serve two-year terms and provides up to $5,000 annually for poetry activities, plus a $500 volunteer stipend for incurred costs. 

Cynthia Pratt became inaugural poet laureate when the city council appointed her on Jan. 20, 2022. She was honored at a retirement recognition ceremony. 

At the time, the appointment came without written requirements or funding. She covered rental costs, printing and supplies from her own pocket, while organizing poetry events and teaching classes. 

"Anytime I had to make copies or anything, that came out of my pocket," said Pratt at the meeting. "Really, even a small amount is helpful, because people don't realize there's these oddball little things." 

Pratt taught eco-poetry classes at George Mitchell Middle School and organized poetry readings with state and local poets. She rented the bus depot for one event and paid for balloons to mark the spot. 

"I had to buy, I don't know, balloons or something, so they knew it was at the depot," Pratt said. 

The poet laureate had one official responsibility of presenting a poem each April during National Poetry Month. Pratt said she also served as the city's representative of culture in the form of poetry. 

"You can imagine, if it goes on your CV (curriculum vitae), your resume, people understand that Lacey has a poet laureate, and I did my best to promote that," Pratt said. 

Eligibility rules 

The policy requires applicants to be Lacey residents for at least one year before applying and  at least 18 years old. Candidates must show a history of published or performed poetry, and demonstrate commitment to community engagement, education and equity in the arts. 

Funding would come from the city's art fund under Resolution 1105 and Ordinance 1022. 

The resolution requires $1 per capita annually, generating approximately $60,000 based on the latest Lacey’s population data of more than 60,000 residents. 

The ordinance, on the other hand, requires one-quarter of 1% of capital projects exceeding $500,000 that are visible and usable by the public. Streets and utility projects are exempt from the requirement. 

Lacey Assistant City Manager Shannon Kelley-Fong said staff recognizes publishing can present financial barriers. She noted performing poetry could include work shared on platforms like TikTok. 

Pratt said submission costs add up quickly for poets seeking to publish their work in literary journals.  

"Sometimes there's a fee with it and stuff, so it can add up if you keep submitting your poems, quite a bit," Pratt said. 

Selected poets must create and present original, all-ages poems for at least six city publications or events annually. The laureate must develop and lead one community-based poetry program each year, such as workshops, summits or collaborations with schools. 

Pratt recorded five poems for the city's website. 

 "Part of my unwritten responsibility is to educate people about poetry and what constitutes different forms," Pratt said. 

The policy requires an annual report summarizing activities and impact, including attendance numbers at events. An application period would open every two years or when vacancies occur. 

Candidates must submit a resume, three to five original poems, eligibility documentation, and a statement of interest explaining their passion for poetry and proposed community engagement methods. 

Applicants must propose two community-based poetry programs and a budget for all activities. If selected, city staff would help poets identify feasible projects. 

Equity metrics 

An advisory board woould review applications when the city does not have a standing art committee. 

The current poet laureate, a representative from North Thurston Public Schools, South Puget Sound Community College or Saint Martin's University with poetry or literature experience, and up to two members of local poetry organizations would make up the board. 

The commission raised questions about measuring program success and tracking demographic data to assess community reach. 

Commissioners suggested tracking demographics, including age and disability status. Pratt agreed documentation would be helpful and cited the accomplished mononymous poet Ocean, City of Olympia's current poet laureate who uses a wheelchair, as an example of disability representation. 

"That needs to actually be recorded, and we have not done that," Pratt said.

The Lacey Youth Council reviewed the draft policy on Nov. 18 and suggested allowing nonconsecutive terms. 

The original language limited poets to two consecutive terms, but youth council members questioned whether someone might want to return after years of developing their craft. 

Kelley-Fong said the policy permits two total terms that do not need to be consecutive. If no other applicants emerge, the incumbent may serve a third term. 

Pratt praised the written policy for providing clarity that was absent during her tenure. 

"What I like is that it's written down on paper and more specific of what tasks are available," Pratt said.