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Lessons Learned: An Assessment of Select Public-Private Partnerships in Massachusetts

An Assessment of Select Public-Private Partnerships in Massachusetts Author(s): Dr. John B. Miller — Publication date: 2008-12-10 Category: Better Government Abstract: Public-private partnerships are a much misunderstood and still-evolving innovation in transportation infrastructure. Viewed with great suspicion by some as a ‘selling off’ of public goods,it is viewed with great enthusiasm by others as a source of additional revenues. In Massachusetts, we see public-private partnerships through the lens of recent projects that used private sector participation. This study seeks to examine several of those recent projects to learn about the private sector’s role and its impact on the project. Lessons Learned: An Assessment of Select Public-Private Partnerships in Massachusetts

Life Cycle Delivery of Public Infrastructure

Precedents and Opportunities for the Commonwealth Author(s): Dr. John B. Miller — Publication date: 2008-12-01 Category: Better Government Abstract: Life-cycle delivery of infrastructure projects demands our attention. As the Commonwealth faces the interlocking threats of massive funding deficits, creeping levels of deferred maintenance, and unabated demands for expansion, public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer some potential relief. But, unless properly implemented and monitored, PPPs can also be a hindrance to strategic transportation planning and responsible budgeting. This report summarizes the opportunities and challenges PPPs present and recommends a strategy Massachusetts should follow in the future that adds life-cycle approaches to infrastructure delivery, a strategy based on delivering “value for money” and which demands improved levels of service, durable employment, and decreasing costs […]

Strengthening Standards-Based Education

Recommendations to Policy Makers on 21st Century Skills Author(s): Jim Stergios and Jamie Gass — Publication date: 2008-11-11 Category: Education Abstract: In May of 2008, then-Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Chairman Paul Reville named more than 20 individuals from education, not-for-profit organizations, and business to a task force on “21st Century Skills.” He charged the task force with finding ways to better integrate so-called 21st century skills into the public school curriculum. According to Patrick administration officials, this effort is tantamount to a manifesto that will move Massachusetts into the next phase of Education Reform. Download Report

Regionalization: Case Studies of Success and Failure in Massachusetts

Case Studies of Success and Failure in Massachusetts Author(s): Pioneer Institute — Publication date: 2008-10-08 Category: Better Government Abstract: Regionalization is a perennial favorite. In its various incarnations – inter-local agreements, shared services, regionalism – it is popular in theory and universally acknowledged to save money but not as widespread as one might expect. The urge to regionalize goes through periods of intense interest when budgets are tight, then is frequently ended by bureaucratic inertia and parochialism. Regionalization: Case Studies of Success and Failure in Massachusetts

Regionalization: Case Studies of Success and Failure in Massachusetts

Case Studies of Success and Failure in Massachusetts Author(s): Pioneer Institute — Publication date: 2008-10-08 Category: Better Government Abstract: Regionalization is a perennial favorite. In its various incarnations – inter-local agreements, shared services, regionalism – it is popular in theory and universally acknowledged to save money but not as widespread as one might expect. The urge to regionalize goes through periods of intense interest when budgets are tight, then is frequently ended by bureaucratic inertia and parochialism. Regionalization: Case Studies of Success and Failure in Massachusetts