The course will explore some of the many intersections of the public and private sectors in "public-private partnerships." These partnerships between government and business have become a common device of American urban politics; one that bears little relationship to traditional government contracts. Through case studies, some successful, some not, and some for which the outcome is uncertain, it will look at the sometimes competing public policy, legal, political and financial challenges in these transactions. The course will note the provocative implications of government in the dual role of regulator and business partner. The cases will focus on sports stadiums/arenas, frequent occupants of this space, including the SF Giants AT&T Ballpark, the Oakland A's and Warriors searches, and the 49ers' new stadium. It will also consider other uses on public land such as museums (the Exploratorium and the "Lucas museum") and the Drakes Bay Oyster Farm, as well as the emerging (in the United States at least) use of infrastructure "P3s".
Instructor Name: Pamela Duffy
Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP , Partner
Email: pduffy@coblentzlaw.com