Privatization remains a controversial issue in the United States. However, there are many examples of why it works, and how it has worked in the past. According to Leonard Gilroy, editor of the 2009 Annual Privatization Report,” privatization can be done well, or it can be done poorly.” There are many examples of how privatization can be done well. Cities like Phoenix and Philadelphia have seen positive results from privatization, as well as states like West Virginia. Specific organizations, like private prisons, have also demonstrated that privatization can work.
Our spotlight report gives many examples where state and local governments have found success in privatization.