Settlement Name

Milpitas

Province, Territory, or State

California

Country

United States

Keywords

street naming; park naming; facility naming; municipal naming policy; city council naming authority; community contribution recognition; historical significance; geographic identification; public input; duplicate name prohibition

Has Policy?

Yes

Policy

The City of Milpitas adopted the City Streets, Parks, and Facilities Naming Policy in 2022 to establish guidelines, criteria, and procedures for naming and renaming city streets, parks, and other public facilities. The policy aims to ensure that naming decisions reflect community identity, history, and values while maintaining clarity for public safety and navigation.

The City Council holds the final authority over the naming of all city streets, parks, and facilities. A City Council Ad Hoc Naming Subcommittee evaluates proposed names and makes recommendations to the City Council, while public input may also be considered during the process.

The policy outlines several criteria for naming or renaming public assets. Names may reflect neighborhood or geographic features, natural or geological characteristics, historical or cultural significance, or individuals and families who have made significant contributions to the community. Naming may also recognize individuals or organizations that contributed substantially to the development or acquisition of a park or facility.

The policy prohibits duplicate names and discourages confusing or similar sounding names that may interfere with emergency response systems. Streets, parks, and facilities may not be named after currently serving elected officials. In addition, renaming existing assets requires careful evaluation to ensure that the original justification for the name is not diminished.

The Recreation and Community Services Department maintains an approved list of potential names for streets, parks, and facilities. Proposed names are reviewed by city staff and relevant agencies, including emergency dispatch services and the postal service, before being considered by the City Council. Renaming proposals may also originate from city officials, commissions, staff, or members of the public, and public notice and consultation are required before final decisions are made.

Contact Info

sguzzetta@milpitas.gov

Policy Score

55.56