A research institute has been formed at USC to address the enormous infrastructure challenges faced by California.
LOS ANGELES - For the first time in California, a university research institute has been formed to actively address the infrastructure challenges faced by the state. Funded with a lead gift from Michael and Linda Keston, the Keston California Infrastructure Institute will be housed at the University of Southern California's Lusk Center (www.usc.edu/lusk). "Initially, the Keston Institute will focus on issues of transportation, open space, water, power, and other utility and sewer systems, helping decision makers and the general public find solutions for the development and financing of public infrastructure that could cost the state more than $175 billion over the next 10 years," said Stuart Gabriel, Ph.D., Director of the Lusk Center. California's population is projected to increase by 5 million people per decade to reach 45 million people by 2020. Recent studies have concluded that California's enormous infrastructure is inadequate to support its rapidly growing population and economy. "We'll compile and evaluate data on infrastructure investment, assessing how it is linked to the state's economic growth which continues to outpace the demand for development," Dr. Gabriel added.
The Institute will be evaluating the economic and demographic implications of government policy initiatives designed to enhance the state's infrastructure, and it will convene key public and private sector leaders to actively address infrastructure concerns.
Findings of the Institute will be disseminated widely though special reports, public policy forums, targeted workshops and large-scale conferences carried out by the USC Lusk Center.
Michael Keston is an adjunct professor in the USC School of Policy, Planning and Development and Chairman and CEO of the real estate investment firm Larwin Company in Encino, Calif. He was named Chairman of the Board and Senior Fellow of the Institute.