TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending and Restating the Citywide Sponsorship Policy Herein Known as the Sponsorship Policy for City Events, Activities, Programs, and Designated Public Spaces; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-10 as presented.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-10 as presented.
* Pros:
o Implements the City Commission's direction from the February 2, 2026, City Commission Workshop to update the Citywide Sponsorship Policy and return with a formal Resolution.
o Provides a consistent, modernized and policy driven framework for accepting sponsorships.
o Promotes transparency and fairness.
o Enhances revenue and partnership opportunities.
o Aligns sponsorship benefits more proportionally with contributions, reducing reliance on tax dollars, and supporting transparent, accountable practices.
* Cons:
o Sponsors accustomed to the previous structure may be hesitant about adjusted pricing or revised benefits.
o Additional marketing and outreach will be needed to successfully implement the new structure.
Option 2: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-10.
* Pros:
o Allows for the existing Citywide Sponsorship Policy approved as part of Resolution 2019-R-05 to remain in effect.
o Avoids potential uncertainty from partners that concerned changes could disrupt existing sponsor relationships or expectations.
o Avoids the need for expanded marketing and outreach efforts.
* Cons:
o Leaves Resolution No. 2019-R-05 in place and does not align with City Commission's direction from the February 2, 2026, City Commission Workshop.
o Delays improvements intended to better match sponsorship values and structures with current operations a...
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