James Poterba and Jeffrey Clemens will lead an effort to examine the fiscal policies of state and local governments. They will commission research on topics such as how post–COVID-19 migration patterns and the rise of remote work opportunities have affected state and local revenue systems, the long-term challenges states and localities face with health care costs, and the extent to which fiscal policy rules can shape public spending priorities. The project’s findings will appear in a series of papers.
Erik Hurst and Lisa Kahn will lead an effort to examine trends in wages for workers across the income distribution. They will commission research exploring the extent to which wage growth has slowed over the past few economic cycles, identify the causes for such trends, and consider whether policy options exist to increase wage growth. The project’s findings will be published in a series of research papers and a special issue of the Journal of Labor Economics.
John Van Reenen and Chad Syverson will lead an effort to examine how the trend toward larger firms and higher levels of market concentration is affecting the growth rate of the U.S. economy. They will commission research from leading economists to explore the causes of, consequences of, and potential remedies for increased firm size and market concentration. The project’s findings will appear in a series of papers.
Melissa Kearney and Phillip Levine will lead an effort to examine the causes of the decline in U.S. fertility rates and explore the economic impacts of that decline. They will commission research and host a series of conferences on topics such as the relationship between public policies and fertility rates and the extent to which lower rates of fertility will shape future patterns of employment and output growth. The project’s findings will appear in a series of papers.
Joshua Rauh and Juan Carlos Suárez Serrato will lead an effort to explore the impact of business taxation on economic growth, employment, wages, and innovation. They will commission research and host a series of conferences on topics such as the economic effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the employment and growth impacts of state business subsidies, and the role of tax policy in fostering innovation. The project’s findings will appear in a series of papers.