Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development - 3/10/2026 - Agenda Item D2

The City of Oxnard's Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development Committee received an update on the Carnegie Art Museum, focusing on its future use and compliance with federal and state laws regarding Native American artifacts. The museum, closed since 2019 due to budget deficits, was found to be non-compliant with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California's CalNAGPRA, which require the return of indigenous ancestral remains and belongings to their rightful owners. The city is now undertaking a complex, multi-layered process to repatriate these items, involving consultations with Native American tribes and adherence to new regulations aimed at speeding up repatriation. The committee was advised to review the detailed staff report and will receive further updates as progress is made. This meeting highlights the city's commitment to regulatory compliance and cultural sensitivity in managing public assets.