How to Get a Street Named After You in Cedar Rapids?

Many big names have streets named after them.  Originally it was boring IA-84 but after some widening, a little realignment, and a recommissioning, Wright Brothers Boulevard was born.  Here, Cedar Rapids got it right.  Wright Brothers Boulevard takes you right to the airport.  Cedar Rapids could get it right once more by naming a street or boulevard after, oh I dunno, YOU!? Yes, you could get a street named after you in Cedar Rapids.  If you've ever complained about people walking all over you, they could drive on you too, hot diggity dog.

The city of Cedar Rapids spells out exactly what it takes to get a street named after you.  Look, if the street thing doesn't work out, maybe a roundabout or off-ramp?  Not as glamourous as your own boulevard but you still get naming rights.  Anyway, back to Cedar Rapids giving us instructions regarding getting a street named after you.

What steps must you take to get a street named for yourself?

The first thing you must do is hit up the city council for a proclamation. The official definition of a proclamation from the Oxford Dictionary is 'a public or official announcement, especially one dealing with a matter of great importance' Now you understand why there must be a proclamation.  The last part of the definition is the important stuff about 'a matter of great importance' and THAT is the street named after you.  You might have to grease a few city council palms.  Let's hope they don't say something like "Why did you put grease on my palm? I was expecting cash or at least a decent gift card" Trying to convince the city council you deserve this might be your biggest speed bump.  The city of Cedar Rapids says things like this should have city-wide significance.   Tell them to give you a street that goes from one end of the city to the other and you will be city-wide, problem solved, proclamation here you come!

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What can make the process go smoother?

They also offer a few tips like avoiding commercial, promotional, for-profit, or political requests.  So, if you're looking for Stouffer's Political Lasagna Way, don't.  Unless your name is Lasagna, then by all means.  Unless you don't like that kinda thing, then, ugh lasagna, is horrible.  Anyway, back to lasagna being super delicious.   Now, see what you did.  Got me sidetracked on lasagna. One final thought, lasagna should have its own street.

The city also offers a formal reading of the proclamation.  Hopefully, they'll wear festive duds when they do it.  Also know the proclamation does not constitute an endorsement by the city.