Financing Regional Infrastructure

By: Dr. Robert Schmidt, J.D., Ph.D., Quest Technology, Inc.

Release Date: January 2002

This research project addresses the need for infrastructure planning and financing that is frequently linked to the question of regionalism because these components cut across local government boundaries. This leads, in turn, to local and regional discussions about whether planning, financing and implementation of such infrastructure systems can and should be handled locally. User charges and benefit capture methods are examined as well as cost of community services and growth subsidies. The report includes case studies on Atlanta, Las Vegas, Twin Cities and Portland, Oregon.