Coproduction

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Abstract
Research on coproduction—the involvement of citizens in the provision o municipal services-has been decidedly positive, emphasizing the considerable advantages of this model for both urban governments and the citizenry. This article accepts these conclusions but examines several issues in the implementation of coproduction that may jeopardize its vitality. Coproduction succeeds as a result of the increased investment of citizens in service delivery, yet the service bureaucracy will likely exercise predominant influence over the design of these programs. Growing fiscal pressure on local governments as well as acceptance of the privatization philosophy may lead to the transfer of significant service costs to citizens, raising special problems for less affluent neighborhoods. Moreover, without careful attention to design, the commitment of citizen resources to service production in official participation programs may deflect community groups and organizations from taking a policy focus.