Community Voting Now Open!

Help shape the future of Martinez’s public art! The Sesquicentennial Utility Box Art Project is turning everyday street corners into bursts of color, creativity, and pure Martinez magic. Explore 31 original designs crafted specially to honor our City’s 150th year, and vote for the five you want to see come to life across town!

Voting is open through July 20th. You can vote for your top 5 favorite designs, so cast your vote today!

Click here to vote by July 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.! 

 Full project details and are on the City’s Utility Box Art webpage.

As part of the Sesquicentennial, the City is launching three key initiatives designed to strengthen Martinez’s future while celebrating its identity.

• Park System Master Plan Update: A comprehensive effort to re‑envision Martinez’s parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities for generations to come. Through community collaboration and thoughtful planning, this update will provide a roadmap to enhance existing spaces, expand opportunities, and strengthen connection between people and their parks.
  
  More information at www.cityofmartinez.org/parks2026
  
  
• Utility Box Art Program: A creative beautification project that will transform utility boxes throughout the City into works of public art celebrating Martinez’s culture, history, and community.
  
  
• 150 Trees for 150 Years: More than 150 trees have been planted across the City in advance of the Sesquicentennial year along Alhambra Avenue, Marina Vista, Arnold Drive, and other key corridors throughout Martinez. Residents will see these new trees begin to flourish as part of the Sesquicentennial year.

As part of the Sesquicentennial year, the City has official events to honor the 150th anniversary.

• The City hosted district Community Sessions to kick off the year! Topics at these Sessions include:

  • Sesquicentennial Celebration year
  • City 4-Year Strategic Plan
  • Waterfront and Marina Revitalization Project
  • Park Masterplan Update

  We’re bringing these conversations directly to you by hosting one session in each district of the City. 

• April 1, 2026 – Sesquicentennial City Council Meeting: April 1st marked the official 150th anniversary of Martinez’s incorporation. To honor this historic date, the City Council held a commemorative meeting featuring historical reflections, special recognitions, and highlights of Sesquicentennial initiatives presented throughout the celebration.
  
• August 29, 2026 – Sesquicentennial Festival: To bring residents together in celebration of Martinez’s history and community spirit, the City will host a large-scale festival on August 29 featuring music, food, activities, and cultural showcases. The festival will highlight the people and stories that have shaped Martinez across generations.