In the United States, public decision makers may view supporting private sector involvement in public service delivery as politically risky, or even career-threatening.157 A process of outreach and education during the policymaking stage allows legislators to communicate their goals for the PPP process, explain potential benefits and trade-offs, and address constituent concerns and misconceptions.158 For example, two main political concerns about PPPs-the transfer of a public asset to private control and possible toll increases based on profit motives rather than public policy objectives- relate primarily to long-term brownfield concessions but not necessarily to other PPP models.159 This distinction may need to be made for stakeholders.
Several issues have been identified as appropriate for public analysis and debate, including tolling policies, land use and noncompete clauses, performance standards, costs to the public sector and risk.160 During procurement, executive agencies especially must meet the need for transparency and accountability (see Principle 9). Information also can be shared after procurement. The concession agreements for the Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Roads, for example, mandate annual public disclosure of financial and performance data.161