The core aim of the Benefit-Cost Analysis Center is to improve the understanding and use of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) as a decision-making tool. Our research and outreach is geared toward:
- Improving and standardizing benefit-cost analysis methodology
- Strengthening relationships between institutions that use it
- Disseminating information about its use and misuse
- Expanding its use when appropriate
This involves working with a variety of government agencies and academic professionals whose work involves benefit-cost analysis. We accomplish this through:
- Working with the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis
- Convening with government benefit-cost analysts at the federal, state, and local levels
- Publishing academic papers on benefit-cost analysis methodology
News and Announcements
Save the Date: Developing Standards for Benefit-Cost Analysis, October 18-19 at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Benefit-Cost Analysis Center and funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Featuring keynote speaker Michael Greenstone, 3M Professor of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and former chief economist, White House Chief of Economic Advisors, on "The Social Cost of Carbon, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Rational Climate Change Policy." More information will be posted as it becomes available. By invitation only.
The conference summary of the Unleashing the Power fo Social Benefit-Cost Analysis: Removing Barriers conference is now available online. This summary, compiled by Benefit-Cost Analysis Center staff, summarizes the proceedings of the conference and highlights main points of presentation and discussion. A shorter document, summarizing the conference highights and future directions of the field, is also available.
- Conference Summary, Unleashing the Power of Social Benefit-Cost Analysis: Removing Barriers (367 KB PDF)
- Conference Highlights & Future Directions, Unleashing the Power of Social Benefit-Cost Analysis: Removing Barriers (145 KB PDF)
On December 3, 2009, the White House Council on Environmental Quality released a proposal to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) for their review that would significantly change the principles and guidelines that govern America’s water resource planning. CEQ is taking public comment on the new draft Principles and Guidelines for 90 days. Find out more about the proposal or submit a comment.
The Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, published by Berkeley Electronic Press (bepress), was launched July 2010. To preview the current issue Volume 1, Issue 1 (2010) or submit a manuscript for consideration in future issues, visit the Journal's website. See the JBCA Flyer (242 KB PDF) for more information.
The President’s FY 2011 budget includes a statement on Benefit-Cost Analysis. The statement is located in the Performance and Management section.
Learn more about the recent conferences supported by the Benefit-Cost Analysis Center:
- October 19-20, 2009
Unleashing the Power of Social Benefit-Cost Analysis: Removing Barriers
Funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
- October 20-21, 2009
Advancing the Practice of Benefit-Cost Analysis: 2009 Annual Conference and Meeting of the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis
Read an interview with Benefit-Cost Analysis Center Founder and Director, Richard O. Zerbe, Jr.:
- Balancing Costs and Benefits: An interview with Benefit-Cost Analysis Center founder Richard O. Zerbe, Jr.
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Find out more about what benefit-cost analysis is and draft papers on principles and standards for it. You can also contact us at bcac@u.washington.edu or 206.616.4090.