Capital Planning : Lessons and Insights from a Capacity Building Pilot Project to Improve Infrastructure Investment

Abstract

: Recent studies by the New York State Comptroller have identified an existing deficit of capital investment in the state’s communities . Survey evidence points to the measured decline capital planning practices among New York local governments at a time when investment needs are on the rise – this is particularly acute among smaller local governments . The Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council identified the need to “Improve and expand existing infrastructure” as a long-term need in their Southern Tier Recovery Strategy Document 2020. Adequate and timely infrastructure investment is a key building block for the fiscal health and sustainability of New York’s local communities.