The Greenfield City Council unanimously approved 4-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 10 a new Downtown and Citywide Banner Display Policy, establishing guidelines for community banners displayed throughout the city while creating a more consistent process for sponsorships, eligibility, scheduling and maintenance.
The policy is intended to promote community identity, recognize military service and educational achievements, as well as supporting cultural, historical and seasonal celebrations.
Greenfield’s existing banner programs include Independence Day, Harvest Festival, winter holidays, graduating seniors, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The new policy establishes rules for organizations seeking to sponsor banners and outlines how limited display space will be distributed.
Under the policy, eligible programs include civic and seasonal celebrations, military and memorial recognition, graduation and youth achievement, and cultural and historical events. Businesses may sponsor approved civic programs, but commercial advertising, candidate promotions and ballot-measure advocacy will be prohibited.
Outside sponsoring organizations will be responsible for purchasing, fabricating and replacing their banners, while the City will cover administrative costs, installation, removal, equipment, traffic control and storage, subject to available budget appropriations.
City Manager Paul Wood will oversee applications, approvals, scheduling and placement, while public works staff will handle installation and removal.
Applications should generally be submitted six to nine months before a planned display, with final artwork and required authorizations due at least 60 days before installation.
The policy also establishes an appeals process for organizations whose banners are denied or removed. Applicants will have 10 business days to appeal, where Wood will issue a written decision within 15 business days after receiving a complete appeal.
Additionally, all existing individual-recognition banners, including veteran and graduation displays, must undergo a compliance review before being displayed again.
Councilmember Rachel Ortiz said donations from Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez currently support the banner program. “The veterans get very emotional when they see their banners up there,” she says. “It’s important to recognize all persons who have served.”