A Framework to Prioritize Capital Improvement Projects

A Framework to Prioritize Capital Improvement Projects
Author: Judith Nora Coyne
Publisher:
Total Pages: 55
Release: 2015
Genre:
ISBN:

Capital improvement planning is at the forefront of a planner's role in protecting the public interest. Capital projects that are delayed or tabled can cause budget overruns or in some cases deprive communities of critical services. Members of the governing bodies responsible for approving capital improvements often have limited terms of office or of appointment, or else they may not have expertise in the fields of planning or public administration, and so it falls to the planner to understand which capital improvements are most beneficial to the community. A prioritization tool could assist decision makers in determining which capital projects to approve. This study proposes a new tool for capital project prioritization. The tool catalogs capital projects, local assets, and necessary infrastructure improvements, analyzes the potential impacts of projects, and thereby determines priorities going forward. The tool's underlying formula determines prioritization based on spatial distribution of projects, in the context of a variety of planning values, such as sustainable environmental practice and aesthetics, for example, in determining prioritization. Although data for the development of this tool is drawn from a case study of one particular municipality, Wall Township, the issue of capital improvement prioritization is widespread, as research shows. It is hoped that the methods developed for this case study might inform their application by other communities, organizations and municipal agencies.

Capital Budgeting and Finance

Capital Budgeting and Finance
Author: A. John Vogt
Publisher: International City/County Management Association(ICMA)
Total Pages: 428
Release: 2004
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN:

An up-to-date, comprehensive, and detailed how-to manual for planning and financing successful capital projects, written by a nationally known and award-winning expert on capital budgeting, A. John Vogt. Clearly explains capital budgeting approaches and methods, especially for local jurisdictions under 200,000 in population. Indispensable to managers, assistant managers, finance and budget officials, planning directors, public works administrators, and elected officials for choosing wisely among various approaches, using capital budgeting tools, and analyzing trade-offs during the process. Gathers together and clearly presents the accepted and successful policies, practices, and procedures from across the country and describes in detail every step¿from selecting projects, to planning how to pay for them, to structuring and selling debt. Provides an abundance of local government documents, working papers, charts, checklists, and examples from successful jurisdictions. Approach and recommendations consistent with the National Advisory Council on State and Local Government Budgeting, emphasizing goal setting and planning. Tips on prioritizing projects, winning political support for projects, and selling debt successfully. A book for every manager¿s bookshelf.