Be Hayward's Next Poet Laureate!

All residents of incorporated Hayward age 18+ are invited to apply to be our next Poet Laureate! Help spread awareness and the love of poetry.

The deadline to apply is March 17!

The Hayward Poet Laureate is an ambassador representing the City of Hayward in the local literary community and representing poetry in the wider arts community. The Poet Laureate will:

• Promote creativity and appreciation of poetry and the literary arts

• Represent the City in a professional and positive manner 

• Write at least two poems annually dedicated to Hayward or major occasions or current events affecting Hayward residents

• Create and share original content for the City of Hayward's social media platforms 

• Attend and read/perform their original poetry at up to four City of Hayward and/or literary events annually

• Serve a term of two years, tentatively slated to start in April of 2026

The Poet Laureate will receive an honorarium of $1000 to cover travel and other expenses.

Apply by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17!

We are also searching for a  Youth Poet Laureate!