Why the city can accept private sponsorships

In an effort to utilize and maximize the community’s resources, it is in the best interest of the city to create and enhance public-private relationships, including with individuals, corporations, and other organizations, through the creation of commercial sponsorships. Private sponsorship arrangements are deemed to not constitute a public forum for communication and debate, and the rights established by the private sponsorships are established and remain in effect upon the terms and conditions established by the city. Private sponsorships will create alternate revenue streams that will increase the city’s ability to deliver services and to maintain city assets, including its facilities, parks, programs, equipment, and tangible property, and provide enhanced levels of service and maintenance beyond the core levels funded from the city’s general fund for the benefit of users and the community at large. In appreciation of such support, it is the policy of the city to equitably acknowledge the contribution of private sponsors; however, such recognition should adhere to the aesthetics and purposes of the city’s assets. In addition, such recognition should not detract from the public’s best interests, nor should it be perceived as creating a proprietary interest in a city asset. Finally, sponsorship recognition must be made in conformance with all applicable laws and rules. The purpose of this article is to establish the criteria and parameters for the granting of sponsorship opportunities in relation to city assets. This article provides executive agencies the authority to consider and approve sponsorship opportunities for an appropriate person or entity that has provided a financial contribution to support a city asset.