Drawing the line where innovation ends and systemic reform begins is not easy, although there is a sense that the latter includes proposals that depart more radically from traditional approaches. In 2002, Canada West Foundation published Framing a Fiscal Fix-up, a detailed discussion paper to stimulate debate on five specific alternatives that would strengthen urban finances, but do so through some rather dramatic departures from the status quo. The five options included:
■ Focusing on core responsibilities and priorities
■ Setting correct prices for services
■ Creating efficiencies through competitive service delivery
■ New approaches such as public-private partnerships
■ New tax tools and freedom to innovate
The strength of these alternatives lies in the fact that they directly address the fundamental causes and drivers of some important urban finance problems. Many of the options speak to relieving fiscal pressures on the operating side of the budget, which can then free up resources to address infrastructure. A brief synopsis of the main points in this earlier report, combined with practical examples, demonstrates significant potential if the political will can be found to start moving in several new directions.