Long Beach Considers Privatization

Full story in LA Times. Here is part, please note the only successful privatization has been Newburgh, NY (Stewart):

Local governments that have tried to privatize airports in the past have found it to be a slow and frustrating process. Since 1997, a Federal Aviation Administration program to privatize airports has had six applications. Five have been terminated or withdrawn because of community opposition, inadequate business plans, a lack of financing or a repurchase by a government entity.

The only application awaiting FAA approval is from Chicago Midway Airport, which now serves about 17 million commercial passengers a year. Its proposed 99-year lease to a consortium of investors could provide Chicago with about $2.5 billion. Supporters say it could be a model for airport privatization.