Thursday, September 1, 2011

Do public works projects stimulate local economies?

On Thursday's Your Call, we'll take a look at the public infrastructure projects that we depend on. How is public money being allocated and who is making these decisions? What are we still good at making locally? This past Sunday the final sections of the Bay Bridge were delivered from Shanghai. The bridge builders estimate they saved $400 million by outsourcing to a Chinese company. But at what point is that extra burden to taxpayers worth the trade to stimulate local economy? Has local hiring on these major projects become inefficient? Do public works projects no longer stimulate local economies? It's Your Call with Rose Aguilar and you.

Guests:
Corey Marshall, Good Government Policy Director from SPUR (San Francisco Planning & Urban Research Association)

Dr. Gray Brechin, Historical Geographer and Author

Click to Listen: Do public works projects stimulate local economies?