Brentwood City Council to Discuss National Motto Display
Officials will review display options for the City Council Chambers during a public meeting scheduled for October 27.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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The Brentwood City Council is set to deliberate on October 27, 2026, regarding the installation of the national motto in City Council Chambers. This follows a 3-2 vote on August 11, 2026, which initiated formal research into potential display methods.
Why it matters
The proposal follows requests from local citizens, though the initiative has faced internal disagreement over personal concerns regarding religious expression. The council must now decide between immediate approval, conducting community outreach, or declining further action.
Options for the display range from a $500 plaque to $5,000 for architectural enhancements, with a potential $20,000 third-party community survey also under consideration. The proposal follows a 3-2 vote on August 11 to initiate research.
The players
Tony Oerlemans
He is a Brentwood City Councilmember who introduced the item to display the national motto.
Faye Maloney
She is a Brentwood City Councilmember who expressed personal opposition to the proposed display.
The details
The council is evaluating whether to move forward with the display immediately or invest in a community survey to gauge public opinion, similar to an approach taken in Clovis. Councilmember Tony Oerlemans introduced the item, while Councilmember Faye Maloney has voiced opposition to the proposal.
Timeline
1956: Congress passed the national motto.
August 11, 2026: Council voted to research the motto display.
October 13, 2026: Council discussed the meaning of an abstention.
October 27, 2026: City Council meeting to discuss display options.
Political Context
Brentwood's consideration of the motto display aligns with a national trend where approximately 764 jurisdictions have already installed the national motto. Opposition typically emphasizes the separation of church and state, citing personal experiences that contrast with the proponents' goal of civic traditionalism.
Residents may see an allocation of up to $20,000 from the city budget if the council chooses to proceed with a community survey. The outcome will dictate whether the city chambers receive new architectural enhancements or if the proposal is dismissed without further public spending.
The takeaway
The upcoming meeting highlights the balance local officials must strike between constituent requests and budgetary limitations for public projects. Residents who wish to weigh in on the potential $20,000 expenditure for surveys are encouraged to participate in the council discussion.
Further reading
For more information on local government processes, visit Brentwood Civic Engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Contra Costa News.
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Should your local government display religious mottos in public meeting spaces?
