This paper looks at practical limits to local foods production and consumption in the Upper Midwest.  It presumes that local foods production makes the most sense, and has the greatest profit potential, in relatively close proximity to dense urban demand.  The research demonstrates methods for...

This is an evaluation of the statewide total economic value of state-funded higher education in Iowa.  The analysis is based on Fiscal Year 2010 final budgeted values for Iowa’s three Board of Regents universities and their teaching hospital, as well as the state’s 15 community...

This study explores the policy antecedents, theoretical foundations, and the many approaches to measuring green jobs in the U.S.  It also contains brief descriptions of national and state initiatives to quantify green jobs currently in the economy, as well as their potential growth.  The...

Many people in Iowa do not understand the importance of manufacturing to the state's economy.  This short paper looks at the performance and status of Iowa manufacturing during a prolonged and slow period of recovery.

At ISU we produce estimates of the total value of certain industries to the state’s economy using modeling systems that contain up-to-date secondary data on the major components of industrial production in the state.  We, for example, periodically describe the importance of agriculture...

This is part of a reform effort published by the Association of Public Land Grant Universities, entitled Economic Engagement: Economic Impact Guidelines. Chapter 2 of this workshop compendium focuses on problems and solutions associated with measuring universities' contributions to regional...

Iowa endured high outmigration rates among young adults during the 2000 to 2010 period.  In light of accelerating exits from the labor force as the "baby boom" generation reaches retirement age and Iowa's somewhat smaller labor force ages 25 through 44 than the national average, the state's...

Sequestration-caused reductions in federal spending may yield tangible economic impacts in Iowa if they were to occur.  This short paper estimates, using an input-output model of federal spending, the potential job and income losses that might be realized in Iowa from reduced federal spending

This is a how-to manual for utilizing the IMPLAN impact analysis program when measuring the worth of public universities to regional economies.  This paper describes four approaches to measuring university economic values ranging from simple modification to the elements of value added to...

This project was a partnership with the American Farmland Trust, the Kane County, Il, planning department, and the author to demonstrate the regional economic gains that could be anticipated were the county able to expand local fresh fruits and vegetable production for both local and regional...