Privatization.

• Author: Marciniak, Todd

"Private Options for Westmoreland's Troubled Housing Authority"

Kengor; Paul

Privatization Monitor, January 29, 2000.

In the midst of negative publicity surrounding the Westmoreland County Housing Authority (WCHA), this article indicates that "privatization may help WCHA in its core mission of managing public housing in a manner which 1) promotes quality of life among residents; 2) creates self-sufficiency and financial independence among residents; and 3) aims for cost efficiency and saves taxpayers money." The article indicates that there are three different models of privatization available to the WCHA and other housing authorities: 1) vouchers; 2) general private management; and 3) resident/tenant management corporations. The last two are the more likely possibilities. Regarding the second option, for instance, at least six major studies show a 20 to 2S percent savings when employing a private firm to manage public-housing facilities. Quality could be ensured and money saved by providing pay incentives or other rewards to a firm that...