Coproduction, Equity, and the Distribution of Safety

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Abstract
In response to decreases in federal funding affecting a number of urban services and substantial reductions in other fiscal resources, municipal governments have developed several new methods to deal with their new financial constraints. One such strategy, labeled "coproduction" by researchers, has been the transfer of part or all of the costs of producing some municipal services to individuals. When citizens engage in coproduction activities, equity questions can be raised with respect to citizens' access to services. This article explores the equity issues related to one service, personal and property safety. Using data from surveys in two cities describing citizens' security-related activities, the implications of citizens' action for the equitable distribution of productions costs for personal security are considered. The article concludes by focusing on the policy issues raised as a result of coproduction activities.