ProGov21 Policy Library

While privatization occurs under different names, such as outsourcing, contracting out, and public-private partnership, it always removes a public good from public control and places it under the control of a private entity. The specifics of these deals vary, but the consequences...

Too often, public officials propose the privatization of public facilities, public goods, or contracting out vital public services, without getting the basic information that decision-makers and voters need to know to evaluate these transactions. By asking a handful of simple questions...

This report highlights the impact of state and local governments outsourcing public services on the quality of life for workers and communities. A growing body of evidence, including industry wage data, suggests an alarming trend: outsourcing public services sets off a downward spiral...

As local and state governments increasingly contract out public services that impact the well-being of their community, the need for robust contract oversight is increasing. A lack of oversight has detrimental impacts on the people served by a program or service, and for the public...