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Port Commission approves pilot donor-recognition program tied to America's Cup
Summary
The Port Commission approved a pilot donor-recognition memorandum of understanding to raise funds for waterfront amenities tied to the America's Cup, authorizing a package of donor assets (bricks, benches, donor wall) and directing staff to report back on implementation timelines and outreach.
The Port of San Francisco Commission on Aug. 13 approved a memorandum of understanding to launch a pilot donor-recognition program tied to the 34th Americas Cup, authorizing staff to sign an agreement to market bricks, benches and donor recognition opportunities intended to raise money for improvements in the Northeast Waterfront Plaza and related waterfront amenities.
Carrie McClellan of the San Francisco Americas Cup Organizing Committee and Mike Martin of the citys Office of Economic and Workforce Development presented the MOU as a revenue-raising pilot. They said the program would offer low-dollar items intended to be broadly accessible (engraved bricks at about $150$300) while reserving higher-value assets for larger gifts (benches at roughly $25,000, and larger terminal- or plaza-level assets estimated in the hundreds of thousands to low millions). "Were trying to raise revenue and create funding for additional public amenities," McClellan said.
Public commenters and civic groups urged caution on any program that could be interpreted as corporate naming rights. Alex Walker of San Francisco Beautiful said he welcomed limits in the proposal but asked for clearer renderings and explicit language ruling out naming of parks, piers or buildings. "We want this to be place-making and not place-taking," Walker said. Milo Henke, past president of San Francisco Beautiful, echoed concerns about creeping commercialization and stressed opportunities for ordinary residents to participate through lower-cost bricks.
Commissioners pressed staff on equity and aesthetics. Commissioner Adams said he was pleased the program allows participation at modest price points so working-class residents could contribute. After discussion, the commission voted in favor of the MOU (recorded as Resolution 13-31). The motion passed with all commissioners voting aye.
Next steps: staff will implement the pilot outreach and marketing plan, coordinate with waterfront stakeholders, and report back to the commission on progress and any recommended changes to the program.
