The first step in establishing a public-private partnership is to define its purpose. Ideally, if you have already decided that a public-private partnership will be beneficial, you would have a good sense of its purpose. However, you should still clearly define the purpose of the partnership, because:

• Public and private sector groups are more likely to participate in a partnership with a clear purpose and objectives
• A clearly defined purpose will enable the formation of a partnership to identify potential partners

The purpose should be defined loosely enough so that additional partners are included.

For example, a city emergency management agency and a private-school system in the city can partner to educate students about earthquake preparedness. They could define the purpose of their partnership to either:

• Educate the city’s youth on earthquake preparedness in the classroom
• Educate the city’s youth on earthquake preparedness

By expanding the scope outside schools, the city can continue their education programs in community centers, after-school programs, day camps, and other areas.