RESOLUTION NO. RS2009-689

A resolution requesting the Mayor, the Director of Finance, and the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to examine the financial viability and market practices of selling naming rights to government-owned buildings and infrastructure, as well as advertising opportunities on government vehicles.

WHEREAS, in response to the current economic recession, the Metropolitan Council recently held three meetings regarding the steps the Metropolitan Government is taking to encourage economic development in Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, one suggestion that arose out of these economic development meetings pertained to the sale of naming rights to Metropolitan Government buildings and facilities, including school facilities; and

WHERAS, a number of other cities and school districts across the nation have begun exploring the concept of selling advertisements and naming rights for their facilities and vehicles in an effort to weather budgetary shortfalls resulting from declining tax revenues; and

WHEREAS, the Council desires to see the Metropolitan Government explore alternative, non-tax revenues to fund our government programs in an effort to keep property taxes as low as possible; and

WHEREAS, in furtherance of this desire, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government examine the feasibility of selling the naming rights to government-owned facilities and selling advertising rights for government vehicles; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Rule 8 of the Council Rules of Procedure, a letter dated February 12, 2009, requesting the action that is the subject matter of this resolution is attached to this resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor, the Director of Finance, and the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to examine the financial viability and market practices of selling naming rights to government-owned buildings and infrastructure, as well as advertising opportunities on government vehicles.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Karl Dean, to Finance Director Rich Riebeling, to Director of Schools Dr. Jesse Register, and to each member of the Metropolitan Board of Public Education.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jerry Maynard, Charlie Tygard