Expanded Around the State

MPR2007-02: Winter 2008

The latest privatization initiatives, controversies and news from around the Great Lake State.

Dear Reader:
You will notice that the format for this edition of Michigan Privatization Report has been revised. Around the State is not only our most popular feature, there are so many privatization initiatives to report on that we felt compelled to expand this section. We are still committed to in-depth privatization articles and essays — as you will find in the rest of this issue.
James Hohman
Fiscal Policy Research Assistant

(Click to enlarge)

Contents

• FEATURES
  • Selling MSHDA Programs Can Raise Millions
  • The Changing Face of the Delivery of City Services
  • Relying on Private Agencies has Track Record of Saving Money
• AROUND THE STATE
  • School privatization survey shows increase in contracting
  • Policymakers reject expanded foster care privatization
  • Detroit shops around for incinerator savings
  • Judge rescinds Friend of the Court privatization request
  • Ottawa County extends contract for plowing
  • Bay County investigates new public attorney contracting
  • Williamston contracts for planning positions
  • Port Huron looks to privatize recreation center and marinas
  • Village contracts for police services
  • Hospital privatization explored in Saginaw County
  • City of Dearborn to sell apartment building in Florida
  • Rackham Golf Course sale delayed
  • Pontiac receives bids for Silverdome
  • Temporary employees hired to prevent leaf pickup privatization
  • Mental health authority looks to privatization
• SPECIAL SECTION - AROUND THE STATE SCHOOL UPDATES
  • School Privatization Primer released
  • Napoleon schools contracts for custodians
  • Lincoln holds off contracting
  • Fraser looks to contract substitute teachers
  • Petoskey expands food service contract
  • MEA receives injunction that stops aide contracting
  • Hanover-Horton explores custodial contracting
  • East Lansing recontracts food
  • Marshall contracts for custodial service
  • Grand Rapids recall signatures deemed invalid
  • Privatized coaches expected to save money in Montague
  • Muskegon ISD consolidates and privatizes substitute services
  • Coaching services privatized in Atherton
  • Howell contracts out custodians and administrators