DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Library Services
SUBJECT
Title
Affirm the Appointment of a New Hayward Poet Laureate for the Period of April 2026 - March 2028
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the City Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) to establish Mo Kim-Tong as the Hayward Poet Laureate from April 21, 2026, through March 31, 2028.
End
SUMMARY
Based on the success of the Hayward Poet Laureate Program (Program) since its inception in 2015, Hayward Public Library staff was directed by the Mayor to create a competitive process by which future Poet Laureate appointments would be made with the approval of the City Council. Following the application process and the review of written and video material, Mo Kim-Tong (“Mo”) has been selected to be the next Poet Laureate of Hayward and shall serve in this capacity through March 31, 2028. Mo shall receive a stipend in the amount of $1,000 for the entire 2-year tenure.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution