Alternative Service Delivery Approaches Used by Local Governments

摘要

Introducing community leaders to a range of service delivery options, this report suggests a framework for decisionmaking on which services can be provided through alternative arrangements at minimum costs. It briefly describes the eight alternatives and lists key questions for governments to consider in gathering more information about an alternative. The eight alternative service delivery methods are contracts with the private sector, service delivery with other governments, subsidies, vouchers, franchises, voluntary organizations, donated labor and resources, and limitation of demand. Local governments should consider certain criteria in evaluating these alternatives: cost of government services, cost to citizens, choice to clients, quality/effectiveness of services, distributional effects, service stability, and feasibility. Local officials should examine what options exist within their government organization to maintain a service level at less cost or to increase service output without increasing cost before they attempt to use an alternative service delivery method. Advantages and considerations are presented for each of the eight alternative service delivery approaches. Examples of each approach illustrate how some local governments have implemented these alternatives. Eight references and selected readings are included.