By Lookout Staff

March 4, 2026 -- The City Council on Tuesday is expected to appoint Jay Baldwin as Santa Monica's second Poet Laureate.

Baldwin is "an accomplished poet and community arts advocate whose work reflects Santa Monica’s diversity and creative vitality," staff wrote in a report to the Council.

Per the 2023 Council resolution establishing the post "the Director of the Library is responsible for recommending a Poet Laureate to the City Council for approval every two years."

Baldwin will assume the post from Santa Monica's first poet laureate, Anne Carmack, who was selected in 2024.

The Poet Laureate program -- developed by the City Manager in collaboration with the Library Board and Arts Commission -- sets the terms and conditions for the Council to fill the post every two years.

The program specifically highlights the city through the literary arts and creates "a new body of literary works that commemorate the diversity and vibrancy of our city," staff wrote when the program was launched.

The Poet Laureate must participate in city-sponsored events, poetry readings, workshops and cultural events.

In addition, the poet laureate must create an annual poem celebrating Santa Monica, contribute to the library's National Poetry Month programming and organize multiple poetry related readings and workshops.

Other California cities with Poet Laureate Programs include Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Fresno, San Diego and San Francisco.