MARTINEZ, Contra Costa County — October 25, 2026. In its 150th year as an incorporated city, Martinez is celebrating with public projects intended to leave a visible mark beyond anniversary events. The city says five artworks were selected for utility-box wraps following a community vote, and more than 150 trees have been planted as part of the anniversary program.
Five designs selected through a public vote
According to the city’s Sesquicentennial Year 2026 webpage, a community voting period ran from June 1 through July 20 and drew 3,844 online votes through a device-based PollUnit platform. The five highest-ranked designs went before the City Council on August 5, 2026, where they were approved.
The city says the artwork must still be finalized to fit the technical specifications of the vinyl-wrap vendor. Installation was expected in fall 2026; that estimate should not be reported as proof that all five installations are already finished or can be visited today. Anyone hoping to see the artwork in person can check the city’s later installation announcements and final locations.
What is happening with the trees?
Martinez’s anniversary webpage says the city has planted more than 150 trees along Alhambra Avenue, Marina Vista, Arnold Drive and other corridors. The planting initiative is intended to contribute to greener streets and the city’s long-term environmental character. Newly planted trees require maintenance and establishment over time; the city statement does not establish that every tree is surviving or that long-term irrigation costs have been evaluated.
How do these projects fit together?
The anniversary program also includes a separate 2026 Parks System Master Plan update. That work is meant to guide future parks and open-space improvements over 15 years. The anniversary’s art, street-tree and parks programs are related as community investments, but they have different procurement, maintenance and approval processes.
What should residents watch?
Residents interested in the utility-box designs can ask where the approved art will be installed and who will maintain the wraps. Those interested in street trees can request information on species, locations, irrigation responsibilities and replacement plans. City publications are the starting point; follow-up reporting should compare public commitments with delivered results rather than treat every planned installation as completed.
Read more city-specific news in Martinez News. Source: City of Martinez Sesquicentennial Year 2026 program website; the city-reported vote totals and tree figures were not independently audited by this newsroom.
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