Most people assume that private enterprise is inherently more dynamic than government. This leads to a belief that local governments can’t think creatively and pursue new ventures. This may lead to traditional government services being transferred to the private sector via strategies like privatization, long-term leases of assets to private operators, and outsourcing. Certainly, private enterprises have many strengths. Also, tools like outsourcing have their time and place. However, this article contends that local governments may have opportunities to raise new revenues and create value for the public by thinking more like a private enterprise.

• Publication date: August 2022
• Author: Shayne Kavanagh