Public-Private Partnerships & Resource Solutions


THG was uniquely qualified to provide targeted advice to financial institutions, investment research groups, and institutional investors on specific regulatory developments impacting industry performance. Understanding the interworking of governance and reactive decision-making on sector performance is critical, and such an understanding can also foster creative thinking to support strategic investment decisions. Areas of particular expertise included energy, water, waste, waste-to-value, systems infrastructure, compliance and enforcement, and emergency response.

In today’s world of integration, interdependence, and resource leveraging, innovation is also delivered through strategic partnerships. Collaboration and innovative financing models through well-structured and effectively communicated public-private partnerships (P3) offer an opportunity to develop necessary investment in critical infrastructure from water systems to energy development, while attracting much needed private capital. P3 opportunities require understanding local level challenges, proper alignment and structure between participants, risk sharing, and in many public sector environments, broad civic engagement and support. Long-term commitments that are equitable and benefit all parties will be critical. THG was well-positioned to advance P3 opportunities as an honest broker focused on effective communication and education, community capacity-building, stakeholder engagement, and technical partnership expertise.

  • Serviced a range of financial investment groups, law firms, and large-scale environmental consulting companies by providing timely insight and information on the latest trends and developments affecting the regulated community.
  • Counsel investment advisors and analysts on government interface to effectively communicate legislative and regulatory drivers influencing private sector performance.
  • Built awareness about the innovative scientific advancements being achieved at institutions while identifying new and strategic partnership opportunities to reposition diverse stakeholders to better achieve national recognition of beyond-compliance efforts.
  • Provided companies with innovative environmental technologies increased access and exposure to: key federal and state program offices seeking innovative outsourced solutions with procurement objectives that align with results-driven technologies and services; academicians in search of credible solutions and providing third-party verification of outcomes; and, private investors seeking cutting-edge technologies that will succeed in the market and improve the environment.
  • Assisted with communications and outreach strategies to reduce misperceptions and enhance understanding between potential public and private partners, including acting as a convener and cultural translator between public-private sectors to facilitate mutual learning.
  • Conducted research with deliverables that improve knowledge of the P3 model and provide support for effective decision-making by localities.
  • Advised on the prerequisites to implementation of successful P3s, including stakeholder engagement, project predevelopment, and insights into federal, state and local governance, budgetary processes, and policy considerations.
  • Produced resources to bring best emerging practice case studies and approaches to those interested in P3 strategies for water and energy infrastructure while utilizing our well-recognized communication outlets and executive-level forums to disseminate and educate.
  • Convened an Executive Roundtable Salon, Financing Water Infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships: Finding the Right Model, that explores alternative financing models through P3s to address the pressing water infrastructure challenges facing our nation.
  • Completed an assessment, Proposed Public-Private Partnership Projects for U.S. Inland Waterways Infrastructure Financing, Operations, and Governance, on behalf of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) in collaboration with the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), that presents the case for an alternative financing strategy to encourage greater private participation in the operations, repair, and maintenance of the inland waterway system. The report examines the existing financing mechanisms, funding levels, operating practices, and governance arrangement and focuses on practical solutions offered by P3s.
  • Produced a primer, The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Meeting a Community’s Water and Wastewater Needs – A Primer for Public Officials, on behalf of the National Association of Water Companies, designed to help public officials better understand their unique water and wastewater needs, and how various types of P3s can meet a municipality’s infrastructure requirements. P3 case studies are included throughout the primer to reveal how communities are taking advantage of these collaborative arrangements.
  • Developed a policy report, The Role of Green Infrastructure – Nature, Economics, and Resilience, on behalf of the Conservation Leadership Council, presenting green infrastructure’s potential to reduce costs, enhance resilience, and provide social, environmental, and economic returns. The report examines new market-based approaches, such as water quality trading and P3s, that offer the potential to expand green infrastructure investment.
  • Completed a comprehensive study, Nuclear Power and the Clean Energy Future, on behalf of Nuclear Matters, that underscores the role of existing nuclear power in avoiding carbon emissions and meeting clean energy goals. The report provides an in-depth, data-driven analysis quantifying the carbon value of U.S. nuclear power, which provides nearly 20% of the country’s electricity supply, while accounting for roughly 63% of carbon-free electricity. A collection of state-specific fact sheets accompanies the report, demonstrating the critical role of existing nuclear within each nuclear generating state.
  • Conducted a research assessment, Public-Private Partnership Opportunities for Water and Water Resource Recovery Utility Energy Projects, on behalf of the Water Research Foundation and in collaboration with PLDO. The report includes a detailed review and discussion of relevant energy projects and P3 issues, including energy and P3 project drivers, legal matters, risk allocation, financing options, contractual drafting and structuring, and monitoring and oversight. The report will assist W&WRRUs identify opportunities and undertake energy projects through P3s. The Water Environment & Reuse Foundation was also a partner on this project.