Chicago Seeks $18 Million with Ads

Chicago will pursue three municipal marketing initiatives aimed at generating $18 million for the next city budget, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and chief financial officer Lois Scott announced Monday.

The city will has reached an agreement for advertising on its nearly 400 so-called “BigBelly” trash cans throughout downtown, will establish a new digital network of 34 sites on the city’s expressways, and seek a sponsorship for citywide recycling efforts.

“These initiatives allow us to preserve critical city services, bring in new revenue and protect the City’s historic integrity and character,” said Emanuel.

The city currently has 1,300 billboards that raise $1 million in revenue. The digital billboard network is expected to generate $15 million in 2013 and $154 million over the life of the 20-year contract.

Under the trash can advertising contract, the city expects to capture half of any advertising revenue generated and in the coming week will announce a corporate sponsorship of the citywide recycling program. The initiatives will be introduced to the council this week and voted on next month as part of the 2013 budget.

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Illinois
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