Existing law imposes certain contracting requirements and restrictions on the City’s award of grants set forth in Chapter 21G of the Administrative Code. Under existing law stipends granted to individuals through an honorary laureate program are subject to Chapter 21G.

The proposed ordinance adds Chapter 123 to the Administrative Code to establish the Library Laureate Programs. The ordinance would authorize the Library to enter into agreements with and grant stipends to individuals selected through a competitive process as Laureates or Finalists while exempting the Programs from certain restrictions imposed by Chapter 21G. The proposed ordinance sets forth requirements for the Laureate Programs including the publication of invitations for applications, evaluation and ranking of applicants based upon criteria established by the Library, final selection of Laureates and Finalists by the Mayor, and that Laureate agreements with selected individuals contain certain specified terms.

The impact of the proposed changes would see artists and members of the drag community who contribute significantly to San Francisco's unique character get recognition and support without direct compensation. These individuals would be highlighted and provided with stipends through the Library Laureates Program. They would serve as cultural ambassadors of the City.

The rationale behind these changes is that the stipends granted to Laureates under the current system are subject to certain requirements that do not fit the program's nature. For example, grantees are expected to be registered to do business in the State and City and to maintain certain insurance, expectations that may not align with the more honorary and individual nature of laureate recognitions.

The approval process involves the final selection of Laureates and, if applicable, Finalists by the Mayor, based on the Library’s recommendations. This is after a competitive application and selection process as detailed in the newly proposed ordinance.

The Laureate Agreement will detail the duties of the Laureate or Finalist, the manner and timing of the stipend payment or payments, and the Library’s remedies for default, breach, or misrepresentation by the Laureate or Finalist. It would also need to be approved as to form by the City Attorney and be subject to the Controller's certification of funds and fiscal provisions of the Charter.