A Guide to Evaluating Public Asset Privatization
From the introduction to the 2011 report:
In response to the fiscal crisis in cities and states across the country, governments are entering into long-term lease agreements with private investors and companies to operate, maintain and develop major public structures and facilities. The investors offer a large up-front payment to local and state governments starved for cash, in exchange for decades (from 20 to 75 years) of control and steady return on investments.
This report serves as a guide to evaluating deals public entities make to privatize public assets. It includes case studies, such as the deals privatizing Arizona’s government buildings and Chicago’s parking meters, a list of the types of privatization contracts, an exploration of the phases of the contracting process, key issues related to the process, and a glossary.