Councilman: Sell naming rights to city buildings
Sun colleague Jean Marbella reports:
Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young has an idea for how the city can raise some much needed revenue: Sell itself.
Under legislation Young wants the council to consider, corporations would be invited to sponsor city buildings or programs, such as a city pool that might otherwise have to close because of budget cuts.
In exchange for their sponsorship, companies could get “visibility on City vehicles, logo space in City mailings, and more,” Young said in the introductory copy of the bill, which he plans to introduce at Monday’s council City Council meeting.
While corporate sponsorships are increasingly common when it comes to events or sports facilities — such as M&T Bank’s naming rights to Ravens Stadium, this would open up another level of private involvement in public programs and buildings.
Asked whether any city assets, such as City Hall itself, would be excluded from a corporate sponsorship, Young’s spokesman said such details have not yet been worked out.
“The Council President wants to make sure potential sponsorships are tastefully done,” spokesman Lester Davis said.
Young’s proposal calls for city staff to research what laws regulate the kinds of arrangements the city can enter into and then to create “a systemic approach to corporate sponsorships.”
Comments
"Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young has an idea for how the city can raise some much needed revenue: Sell itself."
I have long suspected that most Maryland politicians are whores, now I have proof.
Posted by: Liberty or Death | April 8, 2011 3:35 PM
Remember folks, our last two mayors have taken office as city council president... consider that for a moment...
Posted by: Oh My | April 8, 2011 3:37 PM
I think the idea of sponsored naming rights for things like Recreation Centers ("Under Armor Westside Recreation Center") or Swimming Pools ("Michael Phelps Swim Facility") or even Parks ("H & H Outdoors Leakin Park Picnic Area") is a great idea, as long as the cost of sponsorship covers the cost of operation.
I'd even extend it to the Charm City Circulator ("Hillen Tire Charm City Circulator").
I would avoid naming schools and streets, though.
Posted by: Gunpowder Chronicle | April 8, 2011 4:17 PM
The problem that I see with this plan is that the name of City Hall would have to be constantly changing based on who's pockets the Mayor and City Council had their hands in.
At least it would keep the city's sign painting contractor busy.
Posted by: pgp | April 8, 2011 5:40 PM
Hey, why not. I've long thought that the federal government could pick up at least a few extra billion by leasing advertising space to whole segments of 'industry', I can see it now....the capitol dome swathed in neon proclaiming it the "Defense Dome" or perhaps the "Pharma Dome"..........whatever,...highest bidder gets it.
Posted by: Mair | April 8, 2011 8:46 PM
I can't believe that we've come to this. How tacky and classless. I've always thought naming the stadiums that were built with taxpayers' money was cheap and trashy, now the council president wants to whore out the city. Why doesn't he have a tattoo stating who his sponsor is on his forehead!
Posted by: BigDave | April 9, 2011 9:14 AM
I can just see it, Baltimore Police Department units with Big Boyz Bail Bond on the side. Do they get to put that big pen on top of the flashing lights?
And who gets to decide what is tasteful? Maybe I should start a business called Hall of Shame just so I could by naming rights to city hall.
Posted by: Staying in the County | April 11, 2011 5:56 PM