This protocol would be used in conjunction with all of the targeted projects described above. In addition, the Mayor or City departments could decide to utilize the protocol in other cases where it would help to clarify the aims and impacts of a project. The City strives to improve public-private partnerships at every step, from their inception to the conclusion of a partnership arrangement. First, we recommend that the City incorporate discussion of public-private partnerships in its regular goal setting processes, including budget, capital investment and planning processes. By establishing priority areas for partnerships before specific projects arise, and subjecting these priority areas to public review, the City will then more easily place projects within the context of its own goal setting.
Potential projects are then subject to the review protocol.
At this point, the basic dimensions of the partnership are clear and disclosable, but no final determination of the public's benefit or investment will have been completed. The process of completing the protocol and subsequently providing additional information will compel the City to clarify its objectives and provide the public with indispensable information. As already stated, the targeted partnerships requiring the application of the protocol and other standards could be as few as five per year. We feel strongly that these responsibilities must not shift. The Mayor and City Council are elected by the people and are accountable to them.