PA open space value assessed

From the Montgomery News (November 23, 2010):

Study shows economic value of open space preservation
By Evan Brandt

"Forget the bluebirds, the bog turtles and the spotted owls. ...
Instead, pick up a report released last week by the GreenSpace Alliance and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and what you’ll find is an in-depth discussion of cash — cold hard cash." ...

For the complete story

For the complete report or a summary

Medical facilities and land use

The Industrial Asset Management Council released a white paper on property trends in the pharmaceutical industry. Included in the analysis are discussions of the impact of the rise of biotech on property needs and the impact of campus-locked facilities on reuse capabilities. They do a somewhat detailed case study of property conditions and trends in Puerto Rico.

Ultimately, their conclusion is that market conditions "dictate the appropriate solution" to the disposal of excess property. Another shocker.

For the complete paper

The RERCSC is here!

For those of you have been holding your breath, the 3rd quarter of The Real Estate and Construction Report from the Real Estate Research Council of Southern California is in.

Guess what? In summary they found that So Cal's home markets "continued to struggle" with prices rising, sales calling, foreclosures down, and new permits up. The conclude that the Southern California market outlook "remains subdued."

Shocked? no, I didn't think so.

For more information on the report, contact Ruth.

Disney's "Epic"

from the L.A. Times Nov 21, 2010

Disney's new video game reveals a dark side of Mickey Mouse

"The happiest place on Earth has a doppelganger. It's called Wasteland. Its denizens are forgotten, dejected and resentful. But they're not seething with rage. This is after all still a Walt Disney Co. property, even if its moniker is a topsy turvy twist on the Disneyland theme park where no one really dies and fairy princesses always prevail." ...

for the complete story

Street and Smith's Sports on L.A. stadium, soccer demographics, etc

Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal for Nov 15-21 features articles on:

* the latest AEG proposal for a new, downtown L.A. football stadium
* an analysis of demographic shifts in soccer audiences
* Cubs' plan for a football festival in conjunction with Wrigley Field hosting its first college football game in nearly a century
* Edmonton's big plans for new arena development
* USTA approval of redvelopment plans for the U.S. Open facilities

Interested in reading more? Contact Ruth.

L.A. Port goes specialty solar

from California Construction Nov 19, 2010

L.A. Port Solar Project Touts Self-Ballasted Racking System
By JT Long

"A new 1-MW rooftop solar installation on the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles relied on a self-ballasted racking system to protect aging structures while offsetting increased electrical demands from an Alternative Maritime Power system that lights up docked cruise ships." ...

for the complete story

The Fed on the business cycle

from today's FRBSF Economic Letter (Nov 22, 2010)

Confidence and the Business Cycle
By Sylvain Leduc

"The idea that business cycle fluctuations may stem partly from changes in consumer and business confidence is controversial. One way to test the idea is to use professional economic forecasts to measure confidence at specific points in time and correlate the results with future economic activity. Such an analysis suggests that changes in expectations regarding future economic performance are important drivers of economic fluctuations. Moreover, periods of heightened optimism are followed by a tightening of monetary policy." ...

for the complete piece

Canadian Historical Aircraft Museum Facilities Upgrade

from CBC News Nov 19, 2010:

Windsor's aircraft museum gets upgrade

"The Canadian Historical Aircraft Association is sprucing up its museum hangar at the Windsor airport with $720,000 from the federal government." ...

for the complete story

AECOM Econ project in the news! Plastic bags banned in Los Angeles

from today's L.A. Times (Nov 17, 2010)
By Rong-Gong Lin II

L.A. County passes sweeping ban on plastic bags

"The ordinance, which by 2012 will cover 1,000 stores in unincorporated areas, also will require supermarkets and pharmacies to levy a 10-cent surcharge per paper bag. Proponents see it as a model for California.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to ban plastic grocery bags in areas of the county under its jurisdiction, endorsing a broadly worded measure that proponents hope could become a model for California." ...

Want to hear how Economics analyzed the issue? Contact Christine Safriet.

Want to read the rest of the story ... There's even a video of bags in action!

Your new library home

Say "hi" to the new home of the AECOM Economics library.

After hours of agony we're down to about 25% of our former collection, and the winners in the get-to-stay lottery are ensconsed in their new bookshelves at AECOM Headquarters. [NOTE: No books were harmed during the Period of Agony. What parts of the collection didn't find a home in AECOM Central are available with a slight delay and delivery charge from off-site storage.]

Come back soon for views of the new home of your magazine collection and the Asian Alliance Archive [Lack of space has sent them to another floor (magainzes) and other spaces (Asia).]

Hampton Roads transit plan

from the Virginia-Pilot (Nov 16, 2010)

Hampton Roads transit plan envisions ferries, rail, buses
By Debbie Messina

"A tunnel dedicated exclusively to light rail and a network of fast ferries are recommended to link South Hampton Roads and the Peninsula in a draft plan for expanding public transit in Hampton Roads.

Other ideas include streetcars, bus rapid transit and commuter rail.

Work is wrapping up on the Hampton Roads Regional Transit Vision Plan, a state-sponsored study that explores ways to improve mobility and connect communities by means other than automobiles." ...

For the complete story

Smithsonian admission fees on the horizon?

from the NY Times Art Beat blog (Nov 12, 2010)

Proposal Recommends Charging Admission at the Smithsonian
By KATE TAYLOR

"In New York, a visit to the Museum of Modern Art will set you back $20, but down in Washington, the Smithsonian Institution, which is 70 percent federally funded, has long been free. That would change under a proposal by the national commission charged with reducing the deficit. In a draft report Wednesday, it recommended that the Smithsonian’s federal appropriation be cut by $225 million, or roughly 30 percent, and that the institution make up the loss by charging a $7.50 admission fee." ...

for the complete story

Impacts of museum admissions fees

from the Philadelphia Inquirer (Nov 14, 2010)

The costs of charging admission
This is the second mall institution to make visitors pay. Will it deter families? Officials think not.
By Stephan Salisbury

"It might usher in an era of rich expansion.

Or it might set loose a Pandora's Box of problems.

The fact is, the opening of the expanded National Museum of American Jewish History on Independence Mall is helping to establish something to which Philadelphia will have to adjust: Admissions charges for major museums in the historic district." ...

"Already the National Constitution Center, which opened in 2003, squats on the northernmost block of Independence Mall. Adult visitors shell out $12 to get in; for special exhibitions, they must pay more - $20 for the recent "Ancient Rome and America," which closed Aug. 1.

The Jewish history museum, a block and a half south of the Constitution Center, is also charging a regular adult admission of $12." ...

For the complete story

Fed Quiz

The Boston branch of the Federal Reserve offers up economics quizes this time on the history of money. Give it a try -- It may not be a pub, but if you pretend to quaf something foamy and stagger a bit when you get out of your desk chair maybe you'll feel the ambiance --

The History of Money Quiz

STR announces Asia hotel pipeline highlights

from STR's Hotel News Now (Nov 17, 2010)

STR Global: Asia/Pacific pipeline for Oct. 2010
17 November 2010 8:54 AM

"LONDON—The Asia/Pacific hotel development pipeline comprises 1,084 hotels totalling 265,251 rooms, according to the October 2010 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report released this week.

Among the markets in the region, New Delhi, India, ended the month with 7,558 rooms in the total active pipeline, reporting the largest expected growth if all active rooms open. New Delhi’s existing room supply is 19,034 rooms."...

for the complete
story

Energy Parks

from Site Selection (10/20)

How Energy Parks Can Energize
Economic Development
by SCOTT CARLBERG

Energy Parks are a smart and sustainable asset for areas with surplus industrial property. A Charlotte park under development is leading by example.

"Economic developers are well aware of the value of industrial parks. The same concept can be borrowed to address another important facet of economic development: The growing need for electricity, which could jump by a third by 2030 according to some studies.
The concept is ‘energy parks.’..."

for the full story

AECOM and the L.A. Metro

from California Construction 6/30/2010

Skanska, AECOM Break Ground on Metro’s Foothill ExtensionJune 30, 2010
By Robert Carlsen

“Skanska USA Civil West and AECOM Technical Services were selected the design-build team on the first phase of the $810-million Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension project, which broke ground last weekend at a ceremony in Arcadia.” ….

For the complete article

AR to get EDA grant to add to trail system

from today's Arkansas Business Journal (4/7):

EDA Announces $2.6 Million for Bridge Renovation, UAMS
By Arkansas Business Staff - 4/7/2010 10:31:00 AM

"U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced $2.6 million in U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to boost competitiveness and create new jobs for Arkansas residents.

The investment includes $2 million to the city of Little Rock to convert the old Rock Island Railroad Bridge to a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.

The renovation will improve the potential for business expansion and development by connecting the city's major attractions, including the Clinton Presidential Center, Heifer International, the Verizon Center, Dickey-Stephens baseball stadium, the River Market commercial district, the Argenta Arts District, and farmers markets in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock, according to a press release." ...

for the complete story

Theme park industry to rise

from the Orlando Sentinel (3/29):

Tourism: Outlook brightens for theme parks
By Jason Garcia and Sara K. Clarke, Orlando Sentinel
March 29, 2010

"The theme-park industry will see a modest rebound, according to a new forecast.

The market-research firm IBISWorld Inc. projects industry revenues will rise 1.7 percent in 2010, thanks to a combination of improving consumer sentiment, aggressive advertising and lower admission prices.

Overall theme-park revenue declined 8.6 percent in 2009 on a combination of falling attendance and reduced in-park spending, the Santa Monica, Calif.-based firm said." ...

for the complete story

CO ski resort visitation down

From the Denver Business Journal (3/12):

Colorado ski resorts push to improve visitor numbers
Denver Business Journal - by Ed Sealover

"The recession and a lack of snow early in the ski season have translated into flat or lower revenue for resorts and nearby businesses this season — even worse than the disappointing 2008-09 winter was for the $2.6 billion Colorado ski industry.

For example, there’s Vail Resorts Inc., which owns four Colorado ski resorts and one in California. It reported that skier visits through March 7 are up 0.4 percent from last year, and revenue from skiers is up 1.6 percent, driven by a 9 percent increase in season passes sold. But dining revenue is down 1.3 percent, and its lodging bookings are down 6 percent through the end of February." ...

for the complete story and data table

Restaurant figures -- same stores sales mostly down but sometimes up

From Nation's Restaurant News (3/16):

A look at industry same-store sales
By Mike Dempsey

"Nearly all public restaurant companies reported fourth-quarter same-store sales results this month, and winter storms and lingering economic pressures pushed most into negative territory. Some, mainly because of value messaging, moved in a positive direction.

For the fourth quarter, or the quarter ended closest to December for companies on a non-calendar fiscal year, quick-service chains on average posted a larger same-store sales decline than any other restaurant industry segment. Quick-service chains were hurt by rising unemployment as well as comparisons with a year earlier when sales trends for fast food were still stable. Casual-dining chains still struggled for customer traffic in the fourth quarter, but some same-store sales results did ease from a year ago. On average, pizza chains and coffee and snack brands were able to post positive same-store sales in this harsh environment, while the fast-casual segment, which is typically the fastest-growing segment, posted, on average, a same-store sales decline of 0.8 percent. That was mostly driven by a double-digit drop of 11.9 percent at Cosi." ....

for the complete story

Korpacz 2010 1st Quarter

It's here! It's here!

China's golf boom... continuing?

from Golf, Inc.'s blog (3/4):

China: Are you sure it can't happen here?
March 4, 2010
By Bob Vasilak
World Golf Report

"You probably already know plenty about the golf boom in China. I'm sure you've heard that golf courses are being built in the People's Republic at a dizzying, near-exponential pace that could easily result in the opening of 1,000 or more new tracks over the next two decades.

Such growth hardly seems possible, until you remind yourself that everything in China happens on a scale that would be unimaginable in a normal-sized country. If its golf participation continues to grow as it has over the past decade, China can easily accommodate another 1,000 golf courses, maybe even 10,000." ...

for the complete entry

China moves on the world's high speed rail market

from EIU's Gulliver's Travel newsletter (3/16):

First China, next the world
Mar 15th 2010, 16:15 by M.A. | BEIJING

"SCARCELY a week goes by without another glowing report about racy Chinese trains. China's plans to build a 16,000-mile high-speed-rail network have been generating a lot of attention of late, thanks in part to the fascination non-Chinese readers have with the speed of China's advances—a sentiment evident in comments on Gulliver's previous related posts. China is running the world's fastest commercial rail service, and is rapidly building its vastest network. Now, as if to further stoke the fires, comes news that the country's high-speed ambitions extend beyond its borders.

On Saturday officials said China would bid for high-speed rail contracts in America, in line with an agreement reached during Barack Obama's visit in November. More intriguingly, on Friday came confirmation that China had mooted a plan to construct a high-speed network spanning 17 countries." ...

for the complete entry

Tokyo hotel occupancy continues to rise

from Hotels Asia Pulse (2/26):

Tokyo hotel occupancy rises in Jan as Asian tourists increase
Asia Pulse, February 26, 2010 Friday 6:54 PM EST

"The average guest room occupancy rate at major Tokyo hotels rose 9 percentage points on the year to 68.7 per cent in January thanks to an increase in guests from other Asian countries and robust online bookings by individuals. This marked the seventh straight month of year-on-year gains." ...

for the complete story

Landmark London hotels may be taken over by the state

from the Irish Times (2/26):

Can Nama give hotels the five-star treatment?
by GRETCHEN FRIEMANN

"Up to 200 hotels are set to transfer to the State, many of which are very expensive to run..."

"THREE LANDMARK London hotels, the Berkeley, Claridges and the Connaught, which are owned by financier Derek Quinlan's Maybourne Hotel Group, may end up being controlled by the National Asset Management Agency (Nama) within the next few months as the transfer of an initial €16 billion in loans nears completion.

According to well-placed sources, the first tranche of properties earmarked for Nama will also include five prestigious Irish hotels: the Shelbourne, the K-Club, the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Wicklow, and the Radisson and G Hotel in Galway. All these high-profile establishments are linked to the top 10 developers whose multi-billion-euro portfolios will form the first wave of €80 billion in loans being moved into the State's asset recovery agency." ...

for the complete story

PWC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook is here!

The 2009-2013 Global Entertainment and Media Outlook from PriceWaterhouseCoopers now exists as a link off its Buzz record.

The Outlook reviews international entertainment markets and their trends broken out by region (US, Asia, Latin America, Canada, Europe, Middle East, etc.). It has topical chapters covering such sectors as as the film industry, television, video games, and publishing.

Olympic host cities and the economic impact of the Games

Check out the latest issue of Planning (Feb) for an article on whether host cities win or lose from an Olympic Games. [The article includes a sidebar on Vancouver's emphasis on sustainabiliy in its development for the Games.]

Chicago theaters (stage) ticket sales on the rise, funding in decline

from today's Crain's Chicago Business (2/12):

Chicago theaters see philanthropic, state support decline even as ticket sales rebound
By: Monée Fields-White February 08, 2010

"Theater fans are buying more tickets, but corporations, foundations and the state of Illinois are spoiling the happy ending for Chicago's recession-racked theater industry.

Lookingglass Theatre Company just finished its most successful subscription season in its 22-year history. The Joffrey Ballet saw a 19% jump in ticket revenue in its most recent fiscal year. And the Goodman Theatre closed out its 2008-09 season with a 15% increase in single-ticket sales." ...

for the complete story

U.S. high-speed rail plans

from CNN (2/10)

High-speed rail: Skipping your town
By Steve Hargreaves, CNNMoney.com staff writerFebruary 10, 2010: 11:30 AM ET

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Most of the $8 billion in high-speed rail funds that President Obama awarded last month will not be used for high-speed projects, but rather to improvements designed to make existing lines faster.

Only $3.5 billion is being spent on truly high-speed rail, a sum that's not remotely close to what's needed to build a 21st century rail network. The money is going toward two projects -- one in California and the other in Florida -- that have yet to begin construction." ...

for the complete story

Duabi to sell QE2

from USA Today (2/9)

Dubai selling off the Queen Elizabeth 2?
By Ben Rooney, staff reporterFebruary 9, 2010: 2:45 PM ET

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Dubai is reportedly preparing to sell a host of assets, including one of the world's best known cruise ships, as the emirate's investment arm looks to restructure a mountain of debt." ...

for the complete story

Latin America hotel/resort development pipeline continues to decline

from today's Hotels (2/11):

Latin America Projects Off 34% From Peak
PRESS RELEASE -- Hotels, 2/11/2010 9:21:21 AM

"The Latin America Construction Pipeline declined for a seventh consecutive quarter in Q4 2009 to 453 projects/74,946 rooms, reaching a new low for the current development cycle. Total projects have declined 34% from the Q1 2008 peak, with rooms down 42%. The Caribbean and South America saw the largest drop-offs from the peak." ....

for the compelte release

Singapore expects big things from its new resorts

from today's Hotels (2/11):

Singapore Tourism Emerges With Integrated Resorts
More socially liberal government paves the way for casino-resort projects and a new economic sector.
Jeff Weinstein, Editor in Chief -- Hotels, 2/11/2010 8:23:00 AM

"SINGAPORE — Singapore has been missing that "certain something" as a tourist destination. Now, finally, it may have the answer in two integrated casino-resorts-the recently opened US$4.4 billion Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) from Malaysian gaming giant Genting Group and the US$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands (MBS) now slated for a late-April opening.

The Sands project reportedly was nearing default late last year, but Las Vegas Sands Corp. raised US$2.1 billion in a bond sale to complete the project.

The two resorts-with government regulations allotting less than 5% of their space for gaming-reflects an attempt to diversify Singapore's tourism base to compete more effectively with neighboring countries. But whether or not Singapore can compete with Macau or become the Las Vegas of Southeast Asia might depend on how consumers react to the expected imposition of restrictions in the form of a S$2,000 (US$1,440) annual fee or S$100 entry fee, as well as stringent rules for traditional gambling junkets to deter money laundering.

However, the two resorts are expected to contribute about 1% to 2% of Singapore's gross domestic product, help the country achieve visitor arrival goals of 17 million by 2015 (10 million in 2008) and eventually add 35,000 jobs to the economy. The government hopes to boost tourism earning to S$30 billion (US$21.5 billion) by 2015-tripling current figures." ...

for the complete story

DC hotels hit hard by storm

from today's Washington Post (2/11):

In snowstorm, Washington hotels lose revenue but locals fill rooms
By Thomas Heath
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 11, 2010; A22

"The two blizzards over the past week brought huge numbers of hotel cancellations from would-be travelers to the Washington region, reducing occupancy and hotel revenue.

While the effects are hard to quantify so far, a chunk of the losses has been offset by locals who needed a hotel room, whether it was someone who had no electricity at home, a snowplow driver who needed to be near his vehicle or a ballerina performing at the Kennedy Center.

"There has been a definite loss in revenue due to the snowstorms," said Ed Virtue, general manager of the Hotel Monaco in downtown Washington, one of seven District hotels owned by San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants.

Virtue said that while the storm last weekend boosted occupancy, Wednesday's blizzard caused many cancellations by groups who wanted to steer clear of the region." ...

for the complete story

Calgary national sports museum gets funding

from today's Calgary Sun (2/11):

National sports museum gets federal grant
By BILL KAUFMANN, Calgary Sun
Last Updated: 11th February 2010, 8:51am

"Ottawa’s tossed a $15 million strike to ensure the building in Calgary of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Standing in front of heavy equipment that will almost immediately begin construction of the 40,000 sq.-ft. museum in the northwest corner of Canada Olympic Park, Environment Minister Jim Prentice said facility serve as a powerful symbol for aspiring athletes.

“This will be a very unique venue for sports fans of all ages and it’ll inspire our children to reach their dreams and someday find themselves in the sports hall of fame,” said Prentice.

The federal money matches the $10 million donated by the province and $5 million offered by the city to fund construction of the futuristic, tilted cube-shaped hall that’ll celebrate a wide variety of Canadian sporting achievement.

The highly-interactive centre is to open its doors in June, 2011." ...

for the complete story

Squabbles continue over Sacramento arena

from today's Sacramento Bee (2/4):

Natomas group wants new arena at Arco site
Published Thursday, Feb. 04, 2010
by Tony Bizjak

"Why move the arena at all?

That's the question swelling in Natomas amid all the talk about erecting an arena for the Kings in Sacramento's downtown railyard as the catalyst for a new urban center.

For 20 years, Arco Arena has loomed large on the Natomas landscape – bringing in Kings fans, concertgoers and their spending dollars – and Natomas business leaders have no intention of letting that asset go without a fight." ....

for the complete story

Cubs keep Spring Training in Mesa

From today's Crain's Chicago Business Journal Ed Sherman's Blog --

Cubs to stay in Mesa
Posted by Ed S. at 1/22/2010 6:25 AM CST on Chicago Business

"The Cubs should thank Naples, Fla., for helping them get what they wanted all along: A posh spring training facility in Arizona.

The Cubs soon will sign a 25-year lease for a new $84-million facility in East Mesa. All that is pending is approval from the Mesa City Council on Monday." ...

for the rest of the blog update

Assn of Children's Museums

The 2008 (released in 2009) Association of Children's Museums Metrics reports are in! They include volumes on:

Staffing
Museum Profiles
Finances and Government Relations
Exhibits, Programs, and Publications
Building and Facilities
Attendance and Memberships

The Korpacz is in!

The 2009 3rd quarter Korpacz is in house.