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.

Paramedic Stephen Hatez writes about the EMS fee-for-service model and community paramedicine in the wake of an Obamacare repeal.
A new staffing industry report details 2015 work performed on a short-term basis, showing a rise of the Gig Economy.
Dexter Sullivan of Safebuilt explains how partnerships can help implement best practices, improve operations and strengthen building department talent.
Airport privatization is finally on the agenda for many communities here in the U.S. in an effort to generate upfront revenues and cut operating expenses. EG looks at Chicago’s recent effort to sell Midway Airport.
Miami-Dade County created a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program that has already seen $20M in property owner applications for energy improvements. We detail the County’s public-private partnership and its new Clean Energy Green Corridor.
Redwood City, CA, will earn as much as $6.65 million by 2018 to manage and operate the San Carlos fire department. The shared services agreement follows on a past arrangement between the two cities’ fire departments. We have all the details inside, including the contract and who is responsible for what
In an effort to cut costs and increase efficiency, the City of Aspen, CO, is outsourcing its payment processing. Using a system of lock boxes, the City now has all tax and utility payments and mail from residents opened by its bank in Denver. For details on this effort and other outsourcing methods, read on
When the new mayor took over two years ago in Colorado Springs, he swore he’d look into any options for outsourcing. Well, he kept his word. The city hopes to save $2M+ over the next 3 years by outsourcing its fleet management. Read on for details and the original RFP
Independent auditors recommended Braintree, MA, look to outsource maintenance and food operations at the local schools in order to save an estimated $500k annually. The group also recommended regionalizing other transportation operations. Read inside for the details
By outsourcing custodial services, Volusia County, FL expects to save $30M over five years. Inside we detail bids and also cover other towns cutting costs in education
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
Aging airport terminals are the impetus for cities seeking to use public-private partnerships as a means of reducing the economic burden on taxpayers for new infrastructure. Details on how two cities are approaching projects and link to the NYC Port Authority full RFQ
The City of Dallas posted an RFP seeking a private contractor to operate its 4-field softball complex. The goal includes outsourcing all operations and earning a revenue share from tournaments and events. Key details on privatization, sponsorship and naming rights within.
Gov1 regularly tracks privatization and outsourcing developments around the country, and our latest update includes initiatives related to trash collection, graffiti cleanup, parking, and more
The city of Austin, Texas, recently completed an analysis of the costs to bring hundreds of workers in-house. And the prices were staggering. Inside are all the details, costs, and a copy of the actual report.
More than 100 cities in California have united to launch the nation’s largest “PACE” program, which will provide innovative financing for clean energy and water upgrades in commercial buildings. Details, action items, contacts, and more are inside.
Honduras recently signed an agreement to build three private cities from scratch, led by an international group of investors. The deals provide even more validation to the outsourcing trend, and all the details are inside.