US Infrastructure Policy

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

The purpose of this course is to explore the federal, state, and local dimensions of U.S. infrastructure policy, with an emphasis on recent policy debates. Infrastructure systems vary widely in their design, operation, and function, including transportation, water, energy, and broadband networks. These systems, in turn, vary widely in their planning approaches, investment needs, and impacts on the U.S. economy. Infrastructure is also part of a larger built environment—both human-made and natural—that has significant climate impacts. Given this complexity, there is a need to enhance existing plans, better measure and target improvements, develop new funding and financing approaches, and more. Students will gain an understanding of the major infrastructure issues facing policymakers and practitioners across the country. The course will combine lectures and group discussions to help students navigate the complexity of U.S. infrastructure policy, especially around its economic development and climate dimensions. It will do so by (1) introducing the actors, institutions, and policy frameworks involved in overseeing different infrastructure systems; (2) examining planning and investment needs in specific infrastructure sectors; and (3) analyzing current and emerging issues around new federal funding, workforce demands, and technological changes. In particular, students will gain an applied perspective on these issues, including: familiarity with state and local planning challenges and federal legislation; experience working with data on infrastructure; and opportunities to distill and present information on infrastructure.