Under new legislation introduced this week in City Council, naming rights for Pittsburgh's public buildings and advertising on city vehicles and employee uniforms will be sold to the highest bidder in an effort to monetize the city's resources.
If you thought Virginia's plan to raise revenue for transportation projects by selling naming rights to its highways, interchanges, and bridges was brazen, wait until you hear about Pittsburgh Councilman Bill Peduto's "Market Based Revenue Opportunity" bill.
Seeking to generate additional revenue in a "responsible and community-minded" way, the proposed bill would allow naming rights to public buildings to be sold (other than City-County Building and police, fire and paramedic stations), and allow advertising on the uniforms of public-works and parks employees, on some city-owned vehicles, and inside city buildings, reports Joe Smydo.
"In addition, advertising would be permitted on the city website and
city cable channel; as inserts with city mailings; on park structures,
such as pavilions, pool houses and recreation centers; and on street
furniture, such as benches, bike racks, parking meters, recycling bins
and garbage cans."
"The bill would prohibit advertisements for alcohol, guns, tobacco and
sexually oriented businesses, such as strip clubs and adult book stores.
Political and religious messages also would be barred," notes Smydo.
FULL STORY: Pittsburgh expects to build revenue through advertising

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie