Battenfeld: Sketchy $100K scheme to raise revenue could be latest Boston boondoggle
Boston’s city council has recently embarked on a controversial initiative to sell official merchandise featuring the city seal and branding, a venture that critics are labeling as yet another potential boondoggle. The $100,000 taxpayer-funded pilot program, approved by the city council, aims to capitalize on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States by offering a range of items such as hats, hoodies, and water bottles. Councilor Sharon Durkan, who is championing the project, expressed that when people fall in love with a city, they want to showcase that affection through apparel and accessories. However, many question the demand for such merchandise and the practicality of the endeavor, which seems more aligned with the interests of city officials than the general public.
The initiative, spearheaded by Boston’s chief creative officer, Ellen Foord, has enlisted students from Boston University to help brainstorm marketing ideas, raising eyebrows about the necessity of such a position within city government. Critics argue that the ambitious revenue projections—potentially reaching tens of millions—are unrealistic, especially considering the challenges other cities have faced in similar merchandising efforts. To make this program viable, Boston would need to secure trademarks and licensing rights for its official logos, a process that could incur significant legal costs and hurdles, particularly in combating counterfeit merchandise.
As the program unfolds, there are concerns that Mayor Michelle Wu might attempt to co-opt the branding initiative for political gain, possibly using it as a platform to promote her own image. Some speculate she may even seek to trademark her own quotes about Boston, blending her political messaging with the city’s branding efforts. Meanwhile, the article humorously suggests alternative slogans and merchandise ideas that might resonate more with residents and tourists, such as cheeky phrases referencing local culture and politics. These alternatives highlight a growing sentiment among Bostonians who feel disconnected from the official narrative being crafted by city leaders. Whether the city’s merchandising venture will succeed or become another forgotten expenditure remains to be seen, but the initial reactions suggest a mix of skepticism and amusement from the public.
It has all the makings of the latest city of Boston boondoggle – 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 hasn’t stopped the city from proceeding with a $100,000 taxpayer-funded pilot venture approved by the free-spending council.
“When 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,” Councilor Sharon Durkan told the Boston Globe in a positive puff piece.
The program is timed to start with next year’s 250th anniversary of the country, which could be a good starting point for selling t-shirts with a “Boston 250” logo.
Ellen Foord, Boston’s 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 “chief creative officer?” Secondly, let’s hope the students don’t 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 “B” 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 it’s a city council idea first proposed by Councilor and Wu supporter Sharon Durkan, don’t be surprised if Wu tries to hijack it to put her smiling face and name on the venture, and attack President Trump. It’s 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.
“Boston: the safest major city in the country” would be one she undoubtedly would try to license.
Or: “Boston Will Never Back Down.”
Another of her chestnuts: “In Boston, We Don’t Listen to Kings.”
And maybe even for 2028, “Wu for President.”
But how about some alternative merch that will be even hotter sellers? Sayings and slogans not necessarily approved by the Wu administration.
Such as:
“Have a Blast at Mass and Cass!”
“Bike Lane Insane.”
“America’s Safest City…HaHa.”
“Most of our City Council hasn’t been Indicted”
“Boston: We’re not so Krafty.”
‘We Throw a Great Holiday Party and You’re Not Invited!”
“Boston: It’s Trump’s Fault.”
“I Heart Wutopia.”
“I’m from Boston, how about Wu?”
“Boston: Love it or Leave it, or just leave it.”
“One if by Land, Two if by ICE.”
“I Shoplifted this T-Shirt in Downtown Crossing.”
“Wake Up and Smell the Cannabis.”
“Boston: If Only We Could Tax the Rats.”
Now, those might be a real cash cow.
