commissioner felt Arizona artists should be supported.

“Typically for something of this scope, you want to open it up nationally for variety,” Ms. Vahabzadeh said.

She said based on experience, the same three to four Arizona artists apply for public art projects. Opening the competition to all would still allow Arizona artists to apply, she said.

“As a group, you want to pick the best proposal,” she said.

She said once the proposals come in, the Commission would then pick two to three artists, who would each get a stipend while they develop their proposal. From there, the Commission will select the artist for the project.

The city formed its public arts program in 1983 as a way to connect people to their environment, help foster a sense of price and serve as a catalyst to stimulate a diverse and vital surroundings.

Chief Librarian Mike Beck said the 7,500-square-foot library in the western region of the city is expected to open in fall 2018. The $2.7 million price tag is paid with developer impact fees, he said.

A proposed library design will head to the council in early fall, he said.

The library, 6075 N. 83rd Ave., will be located at the 88-acre Heroes Regional Park at 83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Once the library is expanded, at a date unknown, it would have a total of 33,500 square feet, he added.