The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy is a conservative
American
American(s) may refer to:
* American, something of, from, or related to the United States of America, commonly known as the "United States" or "America"
** Americans, citizens and nationals of the United States of America
** American ancestry, pe ...
think tank
A think tank, or policy institute, is a research institute that performs research and advocacy concerning topics such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military, technology, and culture. Most think tanks are non-govern ...
based in
Western Pennsylvania
Western Pennsylvania is a region in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, covering the western third of the state. Pittsburgh is the region's principal city, with a metropolitan area population of about 2.4 million people, and serves as its economic ...
. Using its expertise in
economic development
In the economics study of the public sector, economic and social development is the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, local community, or an individual are improved according to targeted goals and ...
,
tax increment financing Tax increment financing (TIF) is a public financing method that is used as a subsidy for redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community-improvement projects in many countries, including the United States. The original intent of a TIF program is ...
, and
eminent domain
Eminent domain (United States, Philippines), land acquisition (India, Malaysia, Singapore), compulsory purchase/acquisition (Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, United Kingdom), resumption (Hong Kong, Uganda), resumption/compulsory acquisition (Austr ...
, it works with property owners and taxpayers to bring
free market
In economics, a free market is an economic system in which the prices of goods and services are determined by supply and demand expressed by sellers and buyers. Such markets, as modeled, operate without the intervention of government or any ot ...
solutions to
local government
Local government is a generic term for the lowest tiers of public administration within a particular sovereign state. This particular usage of the word government refers specifically to a level of administration that is both geographically-loc ...
.
The Institute performs detailed research on local policy issues, then publishes its findings in reports and policy briefs. Unlike many think tanks, it actively promotes its findings by providing this information to local policy makers.
The institute was founded in 1995 by economist,
Jerry Bowyer. In 1997, its activities contributed substantially to the defeat of a proposed regional tax referendum to fund the construction of sports stadiums.
Several cities have nevertheless gone on to build private stadiums with private money, proving in hindsight how shortsighted their efforts were.
In 1999 and 2000, the institute publicly stated concerns about the prospect of a merger between Bell Atlantic and GTE. The institute and other institutions formed a coalition to investigate how the merger would affect consumers. The institute supports utility competition and created a special organization called the Center for Competitive Markets in 1998 to serve as a public "watchdog" around utility competition issues.
References
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External links
Allegheny Institute for Public Policy web siteOrganizational Profile–
National Center for Charitable Statistics
The National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) is a clearing house for information about the nonprofit sector of the U.S. economy. The National Center for Charitable Statistics builds national, state, and regional databases and develops sta ...
(
Urban Institute
The Urban Institute is a Washington, D.C.–based think tank that carries out economic and social policy research to "open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions". The institute receives funding from government contracts, foundations and pr ...
)
Political and economic think tanks in the United States
1995 establishments in Pennsylvania
Organizations based in Pittsburgh