Describing the impact of universities can be challenging for both higher education and Technology-Based Economic Development (TBED). Two new reports demonstrate the importance of higher education institutions to a local economy.
Two recent reports, one by the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE) and the other by the Iowa Board of Regents, utilize different approaches to help communicate the importance of higher education institutions to a local economy.
The ARCHE report combines economic development statistics derived from input-output analysis with the personal stories of seven individuals who in some form are heavily influenced by the presence of the 49 degree-granting, accredited higher education institutions located in the Atlanta region. The report emphasizes the economic and social impact that the region's universities have on hundreds of thousands of individuals and the state of Georgia.
From the press release: "The report, 'How the Atlanta Region's Colleges and Universities Are Enriching Georgia,' brings together data from Atlanta-area private and public institutions and shows a spending impact from the institutions, their students, employees and visitors of more than $9.2 billion a year. Spending on capital improvements adds another $1.5 billion impact in Georgia."
...Each year, the Iowa Board of Regents collects quantifiable information about the sources for external research support and the technology transfer production at the state's three public universities. For the most recent fiscal year, the total sponsored funding for research at these universities was $442 million. During the same period, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and Northern Iowa University were responsible for 235 patent applications, 80 new patents, $24.62 million in royalty and fee income, and $44.79 million in revenue from Iowa companies as a direct result of university technologies.
[Thanks to SSTI and the SSTI Digest for the summary of the reports.]
Thanks to SSTI Digest
FULL STORY: Georgia and Iowa Gauge Impact of Their Universities

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont