Are nc econ needs

From WolfWikis

I was at the Southeast Watershed Forum in August, 2008. Theme: Building Sustainable Communities for the 21st Century. Below are some needs identified at breakout session. ["quality growth" is a undefined catchall term for "smart growth that includes water quality" During breakout sessions the following need for economic data came out of most every session.

Concerning traffic/affordable housing/air & water pollution:

• Include the costs / benefits of projects, including health care costs environmental externalities

• Educate builders and developers about LID and the higher monetary value of LID

Concerning what is needed to implement quality growth strategies:

• Economic analysis for growth strategy. Bang for your buck? Economic information that is relevant to counties/municipalities

Concerning the big 'drivers' or incentives to encourage quality growth and development as well as required needs to implement

• Economic feasibility.

• Determine life cycle costs of LID

• Need cost comparisons for conventional vs. LID development

• Need cost-benefit analysis – what is our return on investing in smart growth, including long-term societal and environmental benefits?

• Need more infill development and economic benefits of infill.

• Better understanding of values and costs of existing assets and practices to determine what works and what doesn't; better data.

• Cost benefit analysis of BMPs so the citizens can make more informed decisions

• Cost benefit features analysis data (cost of beach closures)

• Quantitative data about benefits (water quality, parks, property values)