Presentation tomorrow in New Orleans: How infrastructure creates markets

Obviously I'm not going to be able to go to this presentation and I don't know if the ULI Louisiana chapter will provide links to presentations or videostreams some time after the conference, but it's a very important point in the ongoing debate about the role of government.

There is a difference between spending and investment, and not all spending-investment on infrastructure is even wise (for example, the funding program for small airports seems to be misused, based on this recent article from the Washington Post), but well placed infrastructure, especially for transit in relatively dense places, can have incredible return on investment, even if the return is only minimally captured by the government spending the money for the infrastructure.

From email:

5th Annual What’s REALly Going On: How Infrastructure Creates Markets
Thursday, March 14, 2013
WWII Museum: Stage Door Canteen
New Orleans

ULI Louisiana, in collaboration with Tulane University’s Sustainable Real Estate Development program, New Orleans Business Alliance and the Transportation Institute at University of New Orleans, presents the 5th Annual What’s REALly Going On? (WRGO) – an insider’s look into the major public, private and public/private commercial real estate projects in the Greater New Orleans Region.  This year’s theme, How Infrastructure Creates Markets, will feature expert speakers offering best practices in infrastructure, as well as an exhibit hall showcasing local infrastructure related projects from each of the five parishes.  Representatives from the respective parishes will discuss the current projects going on in their areas:  VJ St. Pierre (St. Charles), Billy Nungesser (Plaquemines), Representative from Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard.

An exhibit hall will showcase local infrastructure related projects from each of the five parishes including, but not limited to:

• Water Management Strategy study (Orleans, Jefferson and St Bernard Parishes)
• The Lafitte Greenway (Orleans)
• The removal of the Claiborne Overpass (Orleans)
• Streetcar extension (Orleans)
• The light rail to Armstrong International Airport (Jefferson)
• The federal levee system (all parishes)
• Streetcar line (Jefferson Parish)

Christopher Coes is the Managing Director for LOCUS, a national network of real estate developers and investors who advocate for sustainable, walkable development.  In this role, he leads LOCUS strategic initiatives to further LOCUS’ public policy agenda, as well as provides technical assistance to advance smart growth real estate projects across the country. Prior to joining LOCUS, Christopher served as a Consultant for Government Affairs and Campaigns at M+R Strategic Services. Read more

Aaron Miripol has over 20 years experience running community development and affordable housing companies. He has over seen more than $100 million in economic development, including 1,300 permanently affordable homes. Aaron is the President & CEO of the Urban Land Conservancy (ULC), a supporting non-profit organization to the Denver Foundation. Aaron joined ULC in 2007 and leads this unique real estate company in partnering with a wide range of organizations in the Denver metro area on the strategic acquisition and development of land and buildings to preserve and enhance their ability to create sustainable benefits in underserved communities.  Read more