RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, November 24, 2010, The Avenue, The New Republic
Howard Wial looks at the potential economic impact of electric cars on the Great Lakes region, saying that if electric cars become a big part of America’s automotive future, and if startups get the edge over established companies in making them, they could deliver a future shock to a large swath of the region. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
John C. Austin, May 21, 2010, The Avenue, The New Republic
John Austin links struggles in the nation’s auto manufacturing communities to the larger financial crisis precipitated by Wall Street. A new federal program designed to fund restoration of manufacturing facilities, announced at the Auto Communities and the Next Economy summit, is a needed first step, but Austin argues that, for the near term, these areas face economic limbo. Read More
PAST EVENT
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
8:30 AM to 4:45 PM
Washington, DC
As the automotive industry goes through a transitional period, the communities that were shaped by the once-thriving sector must change as well. On May 18, a summit featuring discussions among key federal, state, and local leaders addressed the decline in auto communities and the tools needed to bring them into the next economy. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bruce Katz and Lavea Brachman, February 28, 2010, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Though Ohio has been hit hard by the recession, there are resources within the state that can easily lead the path back to prosperity. Bruce Katz, along with Lavea Brachman of the Greater Ohio Policy Center, explores the state’s economic advantages and details the potential for Ohio to make the transition to the next economy. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Bruce Katz, February 22, 2010, The Brookings Institution
As Ohio continues to feel the recession’s effects, the Metropolitan Policy Program explores ways the state can revitalize its urban areas and restore a sustainable economy. During a speech in Columbus, Ohio’s capital, Bruce Katz outlines options to help the state thrive in the global economy. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
February 22, 2010, The Brookings Institution and the Greater Ohio Policy Center
While economists have declared that the worst recession in over half a century has abated, it will be a long time before the businesses, households, and government treasuries across the country, and specifically in the state of Ohio, shake off the effects. The Metropolitan Policy Program, along with the Greater Ohio Policy Center, takes a look at the state’s potential journey back to prosperity and economic stability. Read More
PAST EVENT
Thursday, February 11, 2010
4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Detroit, MI
On February 11, The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program and Time Inc. hosted Reimagining Detroit: Making Washington a Partner in Detroit's Next Economy. Detroit mayor David Bing joined a group of panelists for a discussion on invigorating the Washington/Detroit relationship, with an emphasis on connecting Detroit's emerging economic development plan with help coming from Washington. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Daniel Kaufmann, February 11, 2010, The Brookings Institution
Plenty has been written on the role that financial institutions played in the global economic crisis, but little attention has been given to the parallels between the financial and auto industries and their undue influence over regulatory agencies and Congress. Daniel Kaufmann urges for further investigation into the NHTSA’s role in the Toyota safety debacle and further transparency and timely disclosure of crucial information. Read More
PAST EVENT
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Washington, DC
On October 21, the Initiative on Business and Public Policy explored the government’s role in the struggling auto industry and their future relationship. Steven Rattner, former head of the Obama administration’s Task Force on the Auto Industry, delivered the keynote address. Read More
VIDEO
Barry P. Bosworth, August 06, 2009
President Obama recently signed a law adding $2 billion to the wildly popular "Cash for Clunkers" program that has given automakers a boost after months of declining sales. Barry Bosworth says despite the program’s quick uptake, there are probably better ways to help stimulate the economy.
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, June 05, 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Daniel J. Ikenson and Howard Wial finish their debate on the Los Angeles Times 'Dust Up' series by asking: how can the federal government simultaneously regulate General Motors, protect the taxpayers' interests as the company's dominant shareholders, and help the carmaker turn out products that people want to buy? Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, June 04, 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Given how far the demand for cars has fallen this year, would the failure of General Motors have put more stress on the industry, or just accelerated the "right sizing" that was already underway? In other words, was the company really too big to fail? In a three day Los Angeles Times 'Dust Up' series, Brookings scholar Howard Wial and Daniel J. Ikenson, associate director of the Cato Institute's Center for Trade Policy Studies, discuss the current state of General Motors. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, June 03, 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Should the federal government have spent billions to prevent liquidation only to have GM eventually file for bankruptcy? In a three day Los Angeles Times 'Dust Up' series, Brookings scholar Howard Wial and Daniel J. Ikenson, associate director of the Cato Institute's Center for Trade Policy Studies, discuss the current state of General Motors. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Douglas J. Elliott, May 29, 2009, The Brookings Institution
General Motors has filed for bankruptcy, and one of many questions is what will happen to its pension promises, which are underfunded by $20 billion. Douglas Elliott says GM is very likely to continue to shoulder the full obligations after restructuring, rather than passing them to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and taxpayers—for now. Read More
VIDEO
Martin Neil Baily, May 28, 2009
Auto giant General Motors announced that it's seeking to file for bankruptcy, which could result in one of the biggest Chapter 11 filings in U.S. history. Martin Baily examines the possible outcomes of this action saying GM lost its edge in the increasingly global and competitive auto manufacturing business.