Public agencies need money to finance their projects. Private investors see opportunities for a decent return. Sounds like a perfect marriage, no? Not so fast, says Laura Barrett, who outlines 6 reasons to be wary of public-private partnerships.
Although public-private partnerships are becoming popular at the local and national levels, Barrett says there's reason to be concerned about their growth. "While most Americans support the idea of building a sustainable economy and fixing decaying infrastructure, building up a national system of public-private partnerships is a whole other animal and needs to be carefully considered. The record on P3 agreements is mixed at best."
She identifies 6 troubling trends that beg consideration:
- Little or no democratic oversight
- Competition stifled
- Public sectors are saddled with the risk
- The voice of the community is missing
- Opportunities missed for community benefits
- Absence of strategic planning
FULL STORY: 6 Reasons to Be Wary of Public-Private Partnerships
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