New Paper: Purchasing Environmental Progress

by Grace Edinger, Senior Manager of the Restoration Economy Center & Harry Huntley, Senior Agriculture Policy Analyst

Purchasing Environmental Progress: Some state programs have fully bought into innovation, others are stuck writing paper checks

States are major buyers of restoration outcomes, but they usually purchase these outcomes through traditional construction contracts and bid processes. Some state programs are leading the way with outcomes-based procurement that speeds up timelines and creates assurances around project success. This paper features those efforts and makes recommendations for others that are well-positioned to adopt Pay for Success (PFS) programs. This paper compiles case studies, highlights opportunities, and makes constructive recommendations with a focus on underlying legislative authority.