Scottsdale and Privatization in the 1980s: A Transformative Chapter in Arizona's History

Too Good to Be True: Scottsdale and Privatization in the 1980s

by Paul Redvers Brown

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Nestled amidst the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona, emerged as a dynamic hub of urban development in the late 20th century. The 1980s marked a pivotal era in Scottsdale's history, characterized by a sweeping wave of privatization that reshaped the city's landscape, political landscape, and economic trajectory.

Private-Public Partnerships: A New Approach to Governance

At the heart of Scottsdale's privatization efforts was a fundamental shift towards private-public partnerships (PPPs). Driven by a conservative political climate and a belief in the efficiency of the free market, the city government forged alliances with private corporations to provide essential services.

One of the most notable PPPs was the contracting out of Scottsdale's trash collection and street maintenance services to Waste Management, Inc. This move sparked controversy but ultimately resulted in significant cost savings for the city.

Economic Growth and Development

Privatization played a catalytic role in Scottsdale's economic growth during the 1980s. By outsourcing certain services, the city freed up resources that could be invested in other areas of development.

The privatization of Scottsdale's airport, for example, attracted new airlines and increased tourism, boosting the local economy. Similarly, the sale of city-owned land to developers paved the way for the construction of office buildings, shopping malls, and luxury resorts.

Political Landscape and Public Perception

The privatization drive in Scottsdale was not without its detractors. Critics argued that it eroded public control over essential services and led to higher costs for residents.

Despite these concerns, privatization gained widespread support among Scottsdale's business community and many residents. They saw it as a way to improve efficiency, reduce government bureaucracy, and foster economic growth.

Legacy and Impact on the City

The legacy of privatization in Scottsdale is a complex one. While the city undoubtedly experienced economic benefits, it also faced challenges related to public accountability, service quality, and the erosion of public trust in government.

Nevertheless, Scottsdale's privatization efforts in the 1980s stand as a testament to the transformative power of private-public partnerships. They contributed to the city's rapid growth and prosperity and set a precedent for similar initiatives across the United States.

Delving Deeper: Recommended Reading

For those interested in delving deeper into the history of Scottsdale and privatization in the 1980s, the following resources are highly recommended:

• Scottsdale: A History of the City in the Sonoran Desert by Thomas W. Pew
• Privatization in Scottsdale: A Case Study by the National League of Cities
• The Political Economy of Privatization: The Case of Scottsdale, Arizona by Robert M. Lineberry

These publications offer comprehensive insights into the policies, politics, and outcomes that shaped Scottsdale's privatization journey.

Too Good to Be True: Scottsdale and Privatization in the 1980s

by Paul Redvers Brown

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2358 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE