Satisfaction with private providers’ maintenance of public space in Scandinavian local governments

Continued critiques, evidence, and newer reform trends have contested the use of market-centered models for public space maintenance. This research paper addresses the contested status in a survey-based study of the current use and satisfaction with private providers’ maintenance of parks/greenspaces and road/streets in Scandinavian local governments. The study finds a widespread use of and satisfaction with private providers. Furthermore, satisfaction varies across country contexts and depends on a number of conditions including contract features, relational quality, competition, and internal capacities. Findings challenge the contested status of market-centered models and contribute to discussions on how maintenance responsibilities are organized.