Public Finance for Planning and Design Professionals

Catalog description

How local governments fund operations and public investments have an important influence on the physical, social and economic outcomes of urban areas. The material in this course introduces public finance to planning, design and policy professionals concerned with the built environment. Topics explored include justifications for public and private investment in the built environment, cost-benefit analysis and reference class forecasting, value capture tools such as tax increment financing, and municipal and participatory budgeting. Students will develop competency in evaluating financial information, conducting cost-benefit analysis, and understanding fiscal policies related to economic development, poverty, inequality and the environment.