Cook County government and the Forest Preserve District, which is a different government body, are soliciting private firms on how to raise revenue through non-traditional means, in other words not raising property taxes. One suggestion considered by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is corporate naming rights, for example a private law firm purchasing the naming rights of the Daley law library. Other ideas are more ads on county Web sites and more vending machines in public spaces.

The Chicago Tribune takes a brief look at largely unsuccessful past attempts by state and local government to sell ads in public spaces. For example, now imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich mistakenly thought he could raise millions by having corporations place their logo on state employee badges.