The Berkeley Infrastructure Initiative (BI2), brings together faculty and students at the University of California, Berkeley with a shared interest in the planning, governance, finance, design, development, economics, and environmental effects of infrastructure. Sub-sectors of interest include transportation, housing, water, sanitation, information and communication technology, energy, school and community facilities, and public parks. Our focus is multi-sectoral, interdisciplinary, domestic and international in scope.

Globally, more than $4 trillion dollars are spent on infrastructure each year. By 2025, global infrastructure spending is predicted to reach $9 trillion. Key governmental and non-governmental actors with strong ideological views whether neoliberal, conservative or progressive often compete over infrastructure provision, thereby clouding public discourse and guiding it towards paths and policy outcomes that may be less advantageous to the public interest. New and expanded research is needed to guide public infrastructure policy, investment and delivery amidst changing domestic and international landscapes. But widespread social benefit will only be realized if infrastructure investments are planned in a manner prioritizing equitable access and reducing externalities that place disproportionate burdens on already disadvantaged groups.

Broad social benefit will only be realized if infrastructure investments are planned in a manner prioritizing equitable access and reducing externalities that bear disproportionate burdens on already disadvantaged groups. Objective, empirically-guided knowledge is needed on how to equitably provide and effectively deliver infrastructure services. BI2’s research team incorporate a strong equity lens into our empirical work.

Campus units co-sponsoring this initiative:

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