Three case studies were performed using the CUED Evaluation spreadsheet. These studies follow the methodology for measuring the benefits and costs of economic development programs as detailed in Reports 362-A and 362-B.The three case studies that were performed are: Continental Envelope Corporation, Pizza Capri, and Site Reuse.
Joseph Persky
A Methodology and Measuring the Benefits and Costs of Economics Development Programs: Manual for Cost-Benefit Analysis Using the UICUED Evaluation Spreadsheet
The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development carries out numerous economic development projects to promote the welfare of the City. In a democratic government there will always be contending strategy agendas reflecting legitimate differences in viewpoint and interest between different groups within the City. Too often, however, disputes over specific projects have been based on inadequate information concerning the expected economic impacts of those projects.
A Methodology and Measuring the Benefits and Costs of Economics Development Programs: Manual for Cost-Benefit Analysis Using the UICUED Evaluation Spreadsheetand the REMI Model.
The purpose of this manual is to familiarize potential users with the CUED Evaluation Spreadsheet for performing cost-benefit analysis of economic development projects in Chicago. For a detailed description of the economic theory and estimation techniques used in constructing the Evaluation Spreadsheet, see Technical Documentation. It should be understood from the start that the Evaluation Spreadsheet is a tool that helps to characterize projects, but can in no way replace policy analysis.
Structural Change and Import Substitution in Chicago
The Chicago economy has offset its growing import shares in most of its industries by increasing the
share of activity in service and other industries with low propensities to import. Over the next several decades the shift toward services will slow down. If the rise in import shares can't be reversed, the area will either have to export more to balance higher levels of imports or its production levels will shrink. Programs to promote import substitution can play a major role in stabilizing the local economy.