EDR GROUP, APRIL 2015

SEEKING TRANSIT IMPACT CASE STUDIES

TPICS (Transportation Project Impact Case Studies) is the national database of before-and-after case studies showing the actual economic development impacts of built transportation projects.

While the initial SHRP2 funding provided only for highway oriented projects, TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program is now funding a pilot effort to develop similar case studies for public transit projects. EDR Group was Lead Contractor for the initial TPICS development, and it is now leading the effort to develop new transit case studies.

To move forward, we are now looking for suggestions or nominations of potentially relevant case studies, which:

1. involve projects completed between 5-15 years ago

2. involved a project investment of at least $5 million

3. had localized economic development occur

4. have local agencies or individuals who can be interviewed regarding the project history and any economic development that followed the transit investment.

EDRG IN THE NEWS

"The Toll of Traffic on Portland Businesses and Freight," in OregonLive.com (4/22/15)

"Portland's Gentrification is Creating Mammoth Commute Issues," in GolocalPDX.com (3/27/15)

"Fort Drum's Economic Impact on Region Totals $1.8B," in Newszjunky.com (3/4/15)
"Bridges Project Board Eyes Insurance," in the Courier-Journal (2/12/15)

"Think Traffic's Bad Now? Just Wait," in the Portland Tribune (1/6/15)

We are sending this update to alert you to recently issued reports and work of interest in the economic development and transportation sectors. You can follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for real-time updates on our work, speaking engagements, and press mentions.

The EDR Group Team www.edrgroup.com

BEST METHODS FOR COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS

Glen Weisbrod, presented his expertise on "Use of Economic Evaluation Methods for Transportation Project Appraisal: Application of a 3-Dimensional Space-Time Framework,"at the Seventh Annual Conference of The Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis (SBCA), an international group of practitioners, academics and others who are working to improve the theory and application of the tools of benefit-cost analysis. The conference was held March 19-20, 2015 in Washington, DC. Read More

OECD - ITF ROUNDTABLE ON INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS

Stephen Fitzroy, EDR Group' Senior Vice President, participated in an invitation-only Roundtable discussion held on March 9-10, 2015 at the Mexican Institute of Transportation in Queretaro, Mexico. The roundtable brought together an international gathering of practitioners, experts and researchers to improve understanding of logistics performance and logistics measurement and exchange experience in developing comparable methods of assessment. Read More

EVALUATION OF THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION'S ARRA PROGRAMS

For the California Energy Commission, EDRG, as a subcontractor to DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, conducted a macroeconomic impact study as the last stage of an evaluation of $257m funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) into California Energy Commision programs. The emphasis of the study was to identify changes in jobs and dollars of gross regional product across regions of California. Read More

NOW AVAILABLE: NANTUCKET "LEARNING WITHOUT LEAVING STUDY

For ReMain Nantucket, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening the economic and social vitality of the island, EDR Group was hired to assess current and future skill gaps on the island, in order to gain a better understanding of the education and workforce needs of Nantucket's residents and visitors. The study culminated with the March 2015 release of the final report, entitled, "Learning without Leaving: An Assessment of Nantucket's Educational & Workforce Needs." Read More

NATIONAL AVIATION SYSTEM PLANNING SYMPOSIUM

Steven Landau was chosen to moderate a panel discussion on "Measuring System Performance: The Role of Aviation in the Overall Transportation System," at the 2015 National Aviation System Planning Symposium. EDR Group is also proud to serve as a sponsor of the conference, which will be held May 17-19, 2015 in Charleston, SC. Read More

ECONOMIC IMPACS OF PORTLAND TRAFFIC CONGESTION

For the Portland Business Alliance and Port of Portland, EDR Group performed a statewide analysis of the economic impacts of congestion on Oregon's economy. The 2015 study (an update to a 2005 study) examines the potential effects of failure to make timely investments in correcting known bottlenecks, choke points and safety improvements for the entire transportation system. EDR Group examined these effects on both residential (commuter) and business (freight) users. Read More