Perceptions of Privatization in Michigan

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the attitudes of elected local officials toward the use of privatization of public services by local governments. We examined a number of factors to see whether they are significantly associated with elected officials’ attitude toward privatization as a method of cost savings and service delivery. The survey examined the elected officials’ perception of community support for privatization, the perception that the private sector is more efficient with regard to both cost and quality of service delivery, the perception that administrators faithfully carry out policy, the relationship to general revenue sharing dollars, and the type of city.

KEYWORDS:

• Accountability
• contracting
• privatization