Benefit-cost analysis (BCA) can be used screen and select projects funded by federal grants. The current narrow framework is insufficient to integrate impacts of current policy emphasis. Researchers around the globe are experiencing similar challenges and opportunities. Environmental effects, active transportation health benefits, and social equity/income distribution are some of the considerations congruent with current federal policy emphasis. Further research and development is needed. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern that covered the latest in BCA from the perspective of transportation agencies that require and rely on them and innovative practitioners who develop them. U.S. Department of Transportation offers ways BCA practices can evolve while staying true to core fundamentals. Presenters discussed best practices, analytical gaps, and approaches to improve its usefulness.
This webinar was a follow on to 2024 TRB Annual Meeting Workshop 1013: Using Benefit–Cost Analysis in Today's Decision Making.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committee on Economics and Finance.
The slides are available. Please contact trbwebinar@nas.edu for a link to the recording. There may be a $90 fee.
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• BCA: Past, present, and future – Glen Weisbrod, EBP
• TxDOT’s BCA grant pipeline screening tools – Sarah Windmiller, Camsys
• Extending BCA in Italy to a wider impact appraisal – Mario Tartaglia, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane
• Question and answer session moderated by Dan Hodge, Cambridge Econometrics

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Describe BCA methods, USDOT requirements and preferences
• Summarize how states and other countries are approaching BCA and the challenges they are trying to overcome in applying BCA
• Identify the latest methods and evolving impact metrics that are being integrated into BCA

 
Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.