State and local budget shortfalls that have been caused by the evaporation of the tax base mean a partnering opportunity for the private sector. However, defining the opportunities is complex and ranges from available capabilities within the public and private sectors to availability of financing to, perhaps the most important element, enabling legislation.
However, states have recognized that they cannot meet the needs of infrastructure alone and are willingly exploring and adopting enabling legislation to accommodate alternate means for providing infrastructure.
Finding PPP opportunities means doing some work. Start with local agencies or with people familiar with land use or infrastructure needs to get a sense of how the public sector views PPPs and how solicited or unsolicited proposals are considered. A review of enabling legislation will also give private sector firms an idea of where opportunities may be waiting.
In an effort to get non-revenue (tax) producing assets off their books, many public sector agencies are shedding properties as quickly as possible. While improving cash flow in the short-term, hopefully these properties will then be developed into community assets.