Sports arenas sell naming rights, so why not cities? That's what the nearly-bankrupt Japanese city of Izumisano is trying to do:
Neatoramanauts, this is our chance of having our very own Neatoramaville - Now all we've got to do is come up with the money... LinkFor the last three fiscal years, Izumi-Sano has been supported by funding from the national government.
Forced to take drastic measures, the government is proposing to accept applications from companies, both foreign and domestic, between June and November. Firms applying to rename the city will have to specify how much they are willing to pay for a contract of between 12 months and five years.The city is also willing to have the name of the city hall sponsored, as well as roads throughout the municipality.
Companies will also be invited to place advertisements on the uniforms of municipal employees, including refuse collectors, library staff and bureaucrats in the city hall.