Let's Make a Deal or On the Way to Public - Private Partnerships

摘要

Geared to mayors and managers, this handbook is designed to assist these officials when they negotiate with the private sector to implement economic development activities. The guide outlines situations and tactics which give an overview of the context of economic development. An economic analysis of a community is the first step in devising an economic development strategy. Local officials should focus on identifying those factors which can make their community attractive to the type of private sector investments that best address their econnomic goals. A clear understanding of the economic base should suggest specific economic development objectives (e.g., an enhanced tax base or job creation), to be ranked according to importance. Thus, when officials negotiate with the private sector they will be able to determine which of these objectives a particular project will achieve. Tools available to local government to attract the desired private sector involvement are zoning and permits, location of public facilities, tax incentives, public procurement, and bonding (tax increment financing). Techniques to help a city initiate a partnership with the private sector include open solicitation (marketing) to restricted contracts. The negotiation process itself is discussed, giving suggestions for using the negotiating team, setting the tone, and preparing for compromise. Once a project is agreed upon, staff followup and monitoring are essential. A bibliography contains 11 references and an appendix lists municipal economic development resources.