Past C3E Projects
C3E has conducted economic analyses and provided strategic planning assistance for numerous state, regional and community groups. Selected recent projects include those for the state, the region and specific communities:
State Projects
Regional Projects
Community Projects
Dimensions of tobacco dependency at the community level in North Carolina
C3E, in collaboration with the North Carolina Rural Center and North Carolina State University, classified the state's 100 counties by the degree to which each is affected by changes in the manufacturing or agricultural aspects of the tobacco economy.
Researchers conducted preliminary case studies with economic development and agricultural extension agents in nine of the counties considered highly affected by changes in the tobacco sector. They identified several basic types of policy interventions that might help these areas begin to establish new bases of wealth to fill the void left by tobacco declines:
- A general consumption subsidy to all households
- Investments in human capital through education and training
- Investments in water and sewer infrastructure
- Investments in roads
Econometric models from the Regional Economic Models Inc. were used to estimate the impacts each of these interventions would have on regional employment and output, both statewide and in each of the state's seven economic development regions. View the report .
Worker dislocation in North Carolina
C3E helped the North Carolina Department of Commerce better understand the magnitude and scope of the state's displaced worker problem and begin evaluating displaced worker programs. View the report.
Assessment of tax incentives offered by the William S. Lee Act - OED has twice evaluated the costs and benefits of the state's business incentive program:
- Part I: In 1998-1999 C3E measured the benefits and costs of the tax incentives offered by the Lee Act, compiled available information about the trends in use of incentives by other states, and offered broader consultation about the Lee Act and related policy issues.
- Part II: In 2000-2001 C3E analyzed the effectiveness of the Lee Act following the methodology employed in the 1999 project, adding several elements that could be justified due to the passage of time, development of a more complete database and the presence of a sophisticated impact model.
View the report
Monitoring Finance Programs
C3E worked with the North Carolina Department of Commerce to develop a cutting-edge monitoring and evaluation system to track the actual outcomes of a variety of economic development interventions on the most distressed counties in the state. View the report.
Regional Projects
Appalachia's R&D and Technology Assets and Future Potential Assessment
This study (October 2002 to April 2002) addressed the problem of inaccurate pictures of the local economy due to rapidly changing regional technological and economic profiles by assembling a comprehensive database for the Appalachian Region. It provided the best available information on the quality and quantity of information technology resources by surveying local economic development boards in the region. It also conducted four intensive case studies within the region to explore in a detailed way the interaction of key stakeholders and institutions related to information technology.
North Carolina Speedway Impact Study
This project (January to December 1999) described and quantified the impact of the North Carolina Speedway on its region and identified opportunities for enhancing economic development. View the report.
Cape Fear Valley Impact Study
C3E conducted an economic impact analysis (February to June 2000) of the Cape Fear Valley Health System, focusing particularly on the impact of the Cape Fear Valley Medical Center on Cumberland County's economy and the decision of Cumberland County patients to seek hospital care at facilities within and beyond the county's boundaries.
Community projects
Greater Fayetteville Futures
C3E completed an initial phase of the Greater Fayetteville Futures project in October 2001 for the Cumberland Community Foundation with funds raised privately in Cumberland County. The project was managed by a diverse local steering committee of business and community stakeholders with input from a broad stakeholder advisory group. C3E's role was to:
- Review existing plans related to economic development in the Greater Fayetteville area.
- Conduct an economic scan of the area along key measures of economic competitiveness for the new economy.
- Identify relevant best practices in economic restructuring for similar cities.
- Help key stakeholders develop a strategic action plan for improving the economic future of Greater Fayetteville.
- Facilitate community forums to discuss results and implementation.
View the report.
The Costs/Benefits of UNC-Chapel Hill to the Town of Chapel Hill: Implications for Public Finance
C3E helped inform the ongoing dialogue between representatives of the town of Chapel Hill and the University about the flow of services and fiscal arrangements (July to December 1998). View the report.
Maxton Feasibility Study
C3E assessed (November 2000 to June 2002) whether an incubator for new, small businesses was economically feasible in Maxton, given likely sources of revenue and funding for the incubator, expected demand for such space and the cost of critical services that would have to be provided.
Cherokee County Technology Assessment
C3E helped Cherokee County understand its current technology situation more clearly and develop strategies to attract, grow and retain knowledge-based business. View the report.
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Kenan Institute
