On February 17, 2004, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2004-03, establishing Monrovia's Art in Public Places program. The regulations require specified residential development with five or more dwelling units costing more than $1 million, or commercial, office or other developments costing more than $1 million to include a public art component either through the provision of public art or to pay an in lieu fee to the City to be used for public art.  As of 2024, the City has amassed over 165 public art pieces.

The role of the Committee, as specified in the Ordinance, is very specific.  They serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council on the expenditure of in lieu fees collected or on artwork proposed to satisfy the requirements of the Ordinance. The five member committee is comprised of a representative of the Monrovia City Council, Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, and Community Services Commission.  The fifth seat is a resident member at large selected by the City Council.  The Committee meets quarterly in the months of January, April, July and October on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 pm at City Hall. Special Meetings are scheduled as needed.