Publicly funded projects use taxpayer money.
Privately funded projects use private money (companies, investors, or individuals).
💡That one difference drives how the project is run, who decides things, and how strict the rules are.
Publicly Funded Projects
What they are (simple): Projects paid for by government money — local, state, or federal.
What makes them different:
Very strict rules (bidding, reporting, transparency)
Lowest bidder often wins
Slower decision-making (lots of approvals)
Must follow public laws and regulations
Anyone can usually see the project details
Who’s in charge: Government agencies (city, county, state, federal)
3 Projects That Fit Public Funding:
Highway or road construction
Public school building or renovation
Water treatment or sewer system upgrades
Privately Funded Projects
What they are (simple): Projects paid for by businesses, investors, or private owners.
What makes them different:
More flexibility
Faster decisions
Owner chooses who they want (not always lowest bidder)
Fewer reporting requirements
Focused on profit, speed, or quality (or all three)
Who’s in charge: Private companies or individuals
3 Projects That Fit Private Funding:
Apartment complexes or office buildings
Shopping centers or warehouses
Private manufacturing plants or data centers