Cash-strapped city outsources municipal jobs

The World

By firing all 96 of its full-time employees, the cash-strapped city of Maywood, California is saving money by utilizing a strategy well known to American companies: outsourcing. They town may have had to file for bankruptcy if it hadn’t taken this outsourcing approach.

Louise Story, finance reporter for our partner The New York Times, discusses why this dramatic cost-saving measure could help the town of 45,000 escape the pitfall of a $450,000 budget gap.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!