Outsourcing and Privatization

Outsourcing and Privatization are strategic approaches used by local and state government agencies to improve efficiency and reduce costs by contracting out services or transferring public functions to the private sector. These methods can lead to significant savings and enhanced service delivery but also come with accountability and public oversight challenges. This directory provides articles on related topics like Finance, as financial management ensures that government operations are sustainable and resources are allocated efficiently to meet public needs.

As part of a study on mismanagement of California’s state park system, the Little Hoover Commission provided a detailed report on how significant operational reform is required for all parks in the US. Inside we provide key aspects of the new strategies
A new public-private partnership in MA is tying together state and private funds to redevelop an entire downtown area in Quincy. The resulting infrastructure improvements will be paid back over time through tax revenue. Inside we provide details on this model and how other cities are looking at innovative solutions for redevelopment
In Carlsbad, CA, the city hopes to save up to $4.7 million by outsourcing park maintenance and operations. Inside, details on Carlsbad’s efforts, the needs assessment RFP, and information on the Reason Foundation’s recent Parks 2.0 report on public-private partnerships
The Lancaster County Prison warden said most funds will go to staffing for chronic care, mental health and medication-assisted treatment
The project illustrates a rising industry trend of municipalities playing a greater role in funding repairs and upgrades to local infrastructure to meet the needs of their constituents and the local economy.
Opportunity zones offer tax incentives for those who choose to invest in distressed communities, but there is little oversight of how money is spent and the effect it has on communities
New ‘smart city’ programs will leverage technology and education to benefit residents, businesses and entrepreneurs: smart transit systems, public Wi-Fi connectivity, skills and training, public safety infrastructure and safer neighborhoods.
A new report from Public Services International points to the dangers of ‘corporate-led’ smart city initiatives and insists that these technological paradigms must be designed for people rather than profit.
A PBS documentary details the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, and suggests the tragedy could have been much less catastrophic had potentially life-saving emergency alerts gone out as intended
The current wildfire crisis in California should serve as an object lesson in the folly of expecting private enterprise to operate in the service of the public interest.
Learn how academic partnerships and a passion for progress can take your local government on a small budget further.
Communities can access racial equity tools at no-cost and transform municipal operations to better address racial disparities through Racial Equity Here
The first two-year cloud computing degree program will be offered through a partnership between North Virginia Community College and AWS.
Local leadership and P3s will transform crumbling infrastructure and build the cities of the future, according to mayors and capital investors.
Government partnerships are increasing, and are expected to be a large part of government operations going forward. Advancing society through partnership governance was the subject of a recent academic summit on the future of public service.