Battenfeld: Sketchy $100K scheme to raise revenue could be latest Boston boondoggle
In a move that some are dubbing the latest boondoggle from the City of Boston, officials are pushing forward with a $100,000 taxpayer-funded pilot program aimed at selling official merchandise emblazoned with the city seal and branding. This initiative, which has garnered mixed reactions, is seen as an attempt to capitalize on the city’s identity, particularly as Boston gears up for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Councilor Sharon Durkan, a key proponent of the program, argues that residents and visitors alike want to showcase their love for the city through apparel and accessories. However, many are questioning the necessity and viability of such a venture, pointing out that the demand for official Boston merchandise may be overstated.
Critics of the program highlight the challenges of trademarking and licensing that could arise from using the city seal and other symbols. While the city hopes to generate millions in revenue, previous attempts by other cities to monetize their branding have often fallen flat. Legal fees associated with protecting trademarks could further complicate the financial outlook of this initiative. Additionally, the potential for political maneuvering is evident, with Mayor Michelle Wu possibly looking to leverage the program for her own gain. As the city navigates this uncharted territory, some are proposing alternative slogans and merchandise that reflect Boston’s unique character and humor, suggesting that a more grassroots approach could resonate better with both locals and tourists.
As Boston prepares for its anniversary celebrations, the merchandise program could serve as a litmus test for the city’s ability to innovate while staying true to its roots. Whether this initiative will foster a sense of community pride or simply become another example of government overspending remains to be seen. In the meantime, the conversation continues, with some residents humorously suggesting alternative slogans that capture the city’s essence without the bureaucratic polish, such as “Have a Blast at Mass and Cass!” and “Bike Lane Insane.” As the city embarks on this venture, it will be crucial to balance ambition with authenticity to ensure that any merchandise truly reflects the spirit of Boston.
It has all the makings of the latest city of Boston boondoggle â a sketchy scheme to raise revenue by selling official merchandise like hats, hoodies and water bottles emblazoned with the city seal and brand to gullible tourists and residents.
Who in their right mind is clamoring for official Boston merch besides the illustrious City Council and maybe Mayor Michelle Wu, who could benefit politically from the program?
No one really, but that hasnât stopped the city from proceeding with a $100,000 taxpayer-funded pilot venture approved by the free-spending council.
âWhen you fall in love with a city, you want to wear it on your chest, you want to put it on a hoodie, a cap, and carry it on your water bottle,â Councilor Sharon Durkan told the Boston Globe in a positive puff piece.
The program is timed to start with next yearâs 250th anniversary of the country, which could be a good starting point for selling t-shirts with a âBoston 250â logo.
Ellen Foord, Bostonâs chief creative officer, said the city has gotten Boston University students to workshop ideas and marketing plans for the program.
First of all, Boston has a âchief creative officer?â Secondly, letâs hope the students donât come up with party ideas or drinking logos for the city.
The city will then decide which iconic names or symbols the city wants to trademark, such as the blue letter âBâ and the city seal or maybe a drawing of ghastly Boston City Hall.
The city has lofty goals of making tens of millions in added revenue from the branding program, which is highly unrealistic given that a few other cities have tried this without much success, except iconic New York City.
The problem is that in order to make real money, the city would need to get trademarks and licensing rights to the city seal and other official logos and spend millions of dollars in legal fees to block counterfeit merch.
Although itâs a city council idea first proposed by Councilor and Wu supporter Sharon Durkan, donât be surprised if Wu tries to hijack it to put her smiling face and name on the venture, and attack President Trump. Itâs also a chance to give printing or merchandising deals to politically connected or unionized business supporters.
She could also try to trademark some of her favorite quotes about Boston.
âBoston: the safest major city in the countryâ would be one she undoubtedly would try to license.
Or: âBoston Will Never Back Down.â
Another of her chestnuts: âIn Boston, We Donât Listen to Kings.â
And maybe even for 2028, âWu for President.â
But how about some alternative merch that will be even hotter sellers? Sayings and slogans not necessarily approved by the Wu administration.
Such as:
âHave a Blast at Mass and Cass!â
âBike Lane Insane.â
âAmericaâs Safest CityâŠHaHa.â
âMost of our City Council hasnât been Indictedâ
âBoston: Weâre not so Krafty.â
âWe Throw a Great Holiday Party and Youâre Not Invited!â
âBoston: Itâs Trumpâs Fault.â
âI Heart Wutopia.â
âIâm from Boston, how about Wu?â
âBoston: Love it or Leave it, or just leave it.â
âOne if by Land, Two if by ICE.â
âI Shoplifted this T-Shirt in Downtown Crossing.â
âWake Up and Smell the Cannabis.â
âBoston: If Only We Could Tax the Rats.â
Now, those might be a real cash cow.
