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University of Washington

The core aim of the Benefit-Cost Analysis Center is to improve the understanding and use of benefit-cost analysis (BCA) as a decision-making tool. Our research and outreach is geared toward:

  • Improving and standardizing benefit-cost analysis methodology
  • Strengthening relationships between institutions that use it
  • Disseminating information about its use and misuse
  • Expanding its use when appropriate


This involves working with a variety of government agencies and academic professionals who use benefit-cost analysis in their work. We accomplish this by:

  • Working with the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis
  • Convening with government benefit-cost analysts at the federal, state, and local levels
  • Publishing academic papers on benefit-cost analysis methodology


Find out more about what benefit-cost analysis is, check out our conferences, or read draft papers on principles and standards. You can also contact us at bcac@uw.edu or 206.616.4090.

Successful 5th Annual Benefit-Cost Analysis Conference

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Over 170 attendees working in the field of benefit-cost analysis spent two days attending 24 panels on a variety of topics related to the theme of Increasing the Utility of Benefit-Cost Analysis on February 21-22, 2013, in Washington, D.C.

Read more on the 2013 conference page, or visit the Society's conference website.

Professor Zerbe Authors Article on BigThink.com

"Using benefit-cost analysis (or its equivalent, cost-benefit analysis) to evaluate projects not only increases the value of government spending, but increases equity as well."

Read Are We Spending Our Limited Fiscal Resources Wisely? on BigThink.com.

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BCA Panels Featured at APPAM Fall Research Conference

The Benefit-Cost Analysis Center and the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis were delighted by their joint collaboration with the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) annual conference. Five BCA-focused sessions were included in the APPAM program in November.

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