To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON ESTABLISHING A CITY FACILITY NAMING POLICY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City’s Strategic Plan includes an item directing staff to present a City Facility Naming Policy for City Council discussion. The proposed draft policy, which was developed by the Naming Policy Subcommittee (Subcommittee), is outlined in this report along with a recommendation for the City Council’s consideration.
BACKGROUND
Staff researched several cities with established naming policies and used those examples to help draft the proposed City Facility Naming Policy, ensuring the recommended criteria and procedures reflect best practices and align with the City’s community values.
The draft policy defines three types of facilities, Major Facilities, Neighborhood Facilities, and Park Structures, and establishes clear criteria for naming based on geographic or historical significance, recognition of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional community service, and acknowledgment of donors whose contribution were instrumental in the acquisition, construction, or long-term support of a facility.
The draft policy outlines a vetting process to ensure proposed honorees and corporate sponsors meet City values and ethical standards. The draft policy also specifies that current elected officials, City employees, and individuals with disqualifying backgrounds are not eligible. For Major and Neighborhood Facilities, corporate naming rights may be considered through a City Council directed solicitation or proposal process. Proposals are evaluated based on the sponsor’s reputation and alignment with the facility’s mission. Naming rights are time limited and may be revoked if a sponsor’s conduct or reputation no longer reflects community standards. The draft policy also includes restrictions to protect historic City landmarks and prohibit names that are discriminatory, political, inappropriate, duplicative, or confusing.
The draft policy details the naming process, including application requirements, review by the Public Amenities Commission, public notice, and final approval by a four-fifths vote of the City Council. Applicants are responsible for application fees, administrative costs, and signage expenses. Renaming is discouraged and allowed only in limited situations, such as changes in facility use or when an honoree’s reputation no longer aligns with City values. The draft policy also clarifies that existing facility names are grandfathered but may be reconsidered through the renaming process, if needed. Finally, the draft policy reaffirms the City Council’s authority to amend the guidelines as needed.
The Subcommittee recommends that the City Council provide feedback and direction on the draft policy and direct staff to return with a resolution to formally adopt and implement the City Facility Naming Policy.
COORDINATION
The Naming Policy Subcommittee (including Mayor Light, Councilmembers Obagi and Behrendt, Waterfront and Community and Community Services Director Elizabeth Hause, and Assistant to the City Manager Jane Chung) developed the draft policy. The City Manager’s Office prepared this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item at this time.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• City Facility Naming Policy Draft