Contracting is difficult enough that governments sometimes prefer to pursue the same results by stimulating competition between their own organizations. As noted earlier, public organizations in competitive environments often perform just as well as private organizations. Some places now use competition between public schools a subject we will return to in a moment. Phoenix constantly compares the cost, efficiency, and effectiveness of many city services with those offered by other cities. "If you can draw good comparisons, even if it's not actual competition, that puts the pressure on," says City Auditor Jim Flanagan. "You'll behave differently if in fact the service you provide is looked at in that manner.