News Release

Faculty member co-edits study of business improvement districts

May 16, 2008

Business improvement districts, initiated and governed by property or business owners under the authorization of local or state government, have received mixed reviews.

To some, they are innovative examples of self-government and public-private partnership. To others, they are yet another example of the movement toward the privatization of what should be inherent government responsibilities.

Penn State Harrisburg Associate Professor of Public Affairs Goktug Morcol and three colleagues have co-edited the first comprehensive scholarly work on the subject, just published in book form by CRC Press.

Business Improvement Districts: Research, Theories, and Controversies brings together leaders in the field and offers theoretical, legal, and empirical studies of the concept. Through case studies and from different perspectives, the leading practitioners and academics analyze the pros and cons of business improvement districts – both in the United States and throughout the world.

The volume investigates fundamental concerns at the core of the debate as well as potential solutions. It tackles the need for improved problem solving and efficiency in service delivery, examines new and innovative policy tools for both the public and private sectors, evaluates whether business improvement districts ignore the needs and voices of residential property owners, discusses the challenge created by social segregation in cities, and addresses the lack of accountability to the public and elected representatives.

In the case studies, the authors look at the impact of business improvement districts on urban planning and retail revitalization, consider their legal implications, and explore ways to measure performance.

Co-editors with Dr. Morcol are: Massachusetts Institute of Technology Associate Professor of Urban Planning Lorlene M. Hoyt, University of La Verne Professor of Public Administration Jack W. Meek, and Kennesaw State University Associate Professor of Public Administration Ulf Zimmerman.

Dr. Morcol joined the School of Public Affairs faculty in 2003. In addition to business improvement districts, his research interests include complexity theory, metropolitan governance, and policy analysis and evaluation methodology.