GPA 8260 - Alternative Service Delivery

This course is open to advanced master’s level students. State and local governments are facing their worst fiscal crises in years. As a result, public officials in Minnesota and across the United States are seeking either more cost effective or alternative ways to deliver public services, including the employment of what President Bush calls “faith-based initiatives.” This course examines the theoretical underpinnings, debates, and track record of the various alternatives to delivery public services. Topics include: privatization, vouchers, contracting out, public/private and public/nonprofit partnerships, and the use of market incentives and competition to improve service delivery. We shall also examine several policy areas where alternative means to deliver services have been tried or advocated including criminal justice, education, health care, welfare, energy, and transportation.

Credits: (4 credits)