Theory, Science, and Statistics in the Use of Benefit-Cost Analysis
October 20–21, 2011
Sponsored by the Benefit-Cost Analysis Center at the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington and funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Conference overview
This national policy forum focused on the use of science and benefit-cost analysis of social programs. Sessions featured leading benefit-cost analysis (BCA) experts, academics, government officials, theorists, and practitioners speaking on improving BCA usage in regard to government use, public safety, general equilibrium, education, behavioral economics, health, and legal perspective. Panels on methodological topics such as “Risk and Benefit-Cost Analysis” focused on the application of theory and cutting-edge scholarship to empirical policy evaluation, and thematic topics such as “Children at Risk” focused on the use of benefit-cost analysis in evidence-based social policy decision-making. Our intent was for both the panel topics and diverse perspectives of those in attendance to serve to further the links among benefit-cost theory, empirical research, and social policy-making. Contact bcac@u.washington.edu with any questions.
Conference Highlights (201KB PDF)
Conference Summary (780 KB PDF)
Conference PowerPoint Presentations