To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JANE CHUNG, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
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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...
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