The Ramsey County Board unanimously approved a new naming policy Tuesday that largely precludes labeling amenities such as buildings, parks and conference rooms for individuals despite the objection of its Library Board, which has used naming rights to raise money.
The board's new policy allows exceptions if, in the future, county commissioners decide to honor an individual. The policy also carves out an exception for paid naming-rights agreements for sports complexes, including the $2 million deal the board recently approved with Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) to rechristen the Vadnais Sports Center as the TCO Sports Garden.
The policy calls for the board to consider how any proposed name might be viewed by American Indians, blacks "and underrepresented communities and their lived experiences."
Commissioners have pointed out in previous discussions that white men are most often honored on Ramsey County facilities.
"This is likely to be an ongoing political issue. I don't know this policy solves it," said Commissioner Nicole Joy Frethem.
"I am OK with an exception clause. I don't want it to be a backdoor channel to continue with business as usual."
Frethem said this has been a difficult discussion and could limit some library fundraising, but said, "In general, just because someone is willing to write a bigger check, I question if that means they deserve the honor of their name on a room."
Commissioner Trista MatasCastillo said she worries the policy could limit equity in naming honors.
