Pittsburgh Wants to Sell Out

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.