BBR Reports
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Item Activities and Resources of the Galveston Bay(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 1971-12) Holstrum, Gary L.; Williams, W. ReedReport on the benefits associated with activities and resources of Galveston Bay. Aggregates data from a variety of sources on the economic value of the Galveston Bay waters in three sectors: (1) recreation, (2) natural resources, and (3) industry and commerce. Prepared by the Bureau of Business Research for the Galveston Bay Project of the Texas Water Quality Board.Item Comparative High-Technology Industrial Growth: Texas, California, Massachusetts, and North Carolina(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 1986) Campbell, John P.To better understand the development of high technology industry in Texas, this monograph compares the high-technology industrial composition of Texas with that of California, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. Chapters examine interstate differences in high-technology industrial development by comparing (1) recent shifts in high-technology industry mix, (2) size distribution of firms, and (3) measures of locational specialization of labor, such as the ratio of production workers to scientists and engineers, levels of employee education, income distribution, and the comparative influence of education and work experience on earnings.Item A Review of the Economic Feasibility of a Privately Financed High Speed Passenger Rail System in Texas(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 1990-11) Jarrett, James E.; Anchondo, J. Jorge; Huff, David L.; Rao, Ramesh K.S.; Zlatkovich, CharlesThis report reviews the economic feasibility of a new, privately financed, intercity rail passenger service in Texas. It assesses the "Texas Triangle High Speed Rail" study (TTA study), and the two technical volumes supporting it, issued by the Texas Turnpike Authority in February 1989. The review concentrates on various aspects relating to the economics of a privately financed rail system, emphasizing issues pertaining to ridership, financing, potential economic impacts, and comparisons with other proposed high speed rail systems. Less attention is devoted to legal and regulatory matters, capital and operating costs, and impacts on local governments. The review incorporates numerous studies of similar projects in other states, citations for which appear in the References Section.Item Economic Impact Study: Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 1992-09) Gau, George W.; Jarrett, James E.Report prepared in 1992 for Travis County and City of Austin officials considering the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan, a habitat conservation plan for the black-capped vireo, golden-cheeked warbler, six karst invertebrates, and two plant species. The research evaluated the comparative effects on Austin’s and Travis County’s future economic development, property values, and government tax revenue of two approaches to complying with the habitat provisions of the Endangered Species Act. In one approach, individual property owners with habitat would need to comply with requirements of the Act if they intended to undertake an activity that affects the habitat on their land. In a second approach, landowners with habitat could voluntarily join a regional habitat conservation plan that collectively ensures the continued existence of the identified endangered species. The study projected the economic costs and benefits of the two approaches over a 20-year period and appears to have been the first major economic analysis in the country of a habitat conservation plan. This research supported establishment of a regional habitat plan (subsequently adopted), and served as a model for many other jurisdictions in analyzing their proposed habitat conservation plans.Item Economic Contributions of the University of Texas System(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 1994-08) McDonald, Stephen L.; Holloway, Milton; Olson, Jerry; Mohammadioun, MinaStudy of the economic impact of the University of Texas System, using three approaches: assessment of the rates of return on investment in human and knowledge capital; estimation of the size of the System's total economic activity and its net expansion effect; and identification of community benefits resulting from the medical, continuing education, cultural and athletic activities of System components. Features details about the System's 15 member institutions, including its six medical centers.Item Can the Texas Manufacturing Institute Operate Without State Appropriations?(1997-12) Jarrett, James E.; Echeverri-Carroll, Elsie L.; Shrout, LoisThis project was undertaken to evaluate whether the Texas Manufacturing Institute (TMI) could operate without state appropriated funds. This feasibility study focused on alternative funding sources available to the TMI in lieu of state funding and how the "implementation of alternative funding would affect the mission, structure, and performance of TMI." The TMI is in the process of receiving the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC), a network established in September 1995 to provide technical expertise for small manufacturing facilities throughout the State of Texas. The TMAC operates with six regional offices and in conjunction with partnering institutions.Item The Certified Capital Companies Economic Development Innovation: Missouri's Experience to Date(2000-02) Jarrett, James E.This report evaluates the Certified Capital Companies Economic Development Program (CAPCO), an innovative state government program for financing emerging companies in the State of Missouri. Certified capital company programs provide a state tax credit to insurance companies for providing venture capital to start-up and early stage businesses via intermediary firms.Item A Statistical Analysis of the Relationship Between Credit History and Insurance Losses(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2003-03) Kellison, J. Bruce; Brockett, Patrick; Shin, Seon-Hi; Li, ShihongAt the request of Lt. Governor Bill Ratliff in 2002, the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) examined the relationship between credit history and insurance losses in automobile insurance. With the assistance of the leading automobile insurers in Texas, the BBR research team constructed a database of automobile insurance policies from the first quarter of 1998 that included the following 12 months’ premium and loss history. Using logistic and multiple regression analyses, the research team tested whether the credit score for the named insured on a policy was significantly related to incurred losses for that policy. It was determined that there was a significant relationship.Item Impact Assessment of the State of Texas Advanced Technology Program(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2005-03) Jarrett, James E.“Impact Assessment of the State of Texas Advanced Technology Program” evaluated 1850 applied research projects funded at Texas universities since 1987. Economic impacts from principal investigators and private sector partners were compiled, university administrative officials and venture capitalists were interviewed regarding commercialization of university research and development, and recommendations were prepared for potential changes in program procedures and policy.Item Impact Assessment of the State of Texas Advanced Research Program(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2006-12) Jarrett, James E.“Impact Assessment of the State of Texas Advanced Research Program” evaluated 1312 basic research projects funded at Texas universities since 1987. Economic impacts from principal investigators were compiled, and information was developed about the program’s ability to attract exceptional students to higher educational institutions and to retain these students as productive members of the state’s science and technology workforce. The role of ARP in current and future state science research strategy was addressed. Benchmarking with other state science programs were performed, and recommendations for potential changes in the ARP were provided.Item An Assessment of the Adult Entertainment Industry in Texas(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2009-03) Kellison, J. Bruce; Busch-Armendariz, Noël; Jarrett, James E.This project, a collaboration between the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) and the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (IDVSA) at The University of Texas at Austin, assesses the socio-economic impact of Texas’ sexually oriented business industry on the Texas economy, analyzes the impact on Texas’ economy of the Adult Entertainment Fee (AEF) imposed by the Legislature in House Bill 1751, and provides recommendations for further regulating the sexually oriented business industry in Texas. Two files are available for download: an executive summary and the full report.Item Texas Emergency Services Districts in High Growth Areas(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2011-02) Jarrett, James E.; Anchondo, J. JorgeAssessment of financial and operational outlooks for Emergency Service Districts (ESDs) in rapidly growing areas of Texas. The study finds that a category of medium and large ESDs in high-growth areas face significant challenges because of increasing demands for service without an opportunity to raise additional revenues. It identifies statutory and administrative obstacles which prevent ESDs from seeking tax increases through local option elections, or other financial remedies such as consolidation.Item Texas Moving Image Incentive Program: The Economic Benefits from Incentives(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2011-04) Jarrett, James E.; Kellison, J. BruceThis study analyzes the economic and fiscal impacts of the $80 million Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. The incentive program was created to encourage companies, producers, and small businesses to choose Texas over other states when selecting sites for their film, television, commercial, and video game productions.Item Sexual Assault Needs Assessment in Texas: Documenting Existing Conditions and Striving Toward Preferred Outcomes(Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, The University of Texas at Austin, 2011-06) Busch-Armendariz, Noël B.; Vohra-Gupta, Shetal; Kellison, J. Bruce; Jarrett, James E.; Heffron, Laurie C.; Kalergis, Karen; Osiantynski, Shoshi; Jones, Amy; Terwilliger, LeeannA comprehensive needs assessment of sexual assault services for adult victims in Texas, based on interviews and surveys of victims, the professionals that assist them, and statewide leaders. The report estimates that the State of Texas spends approximately $42.8 million on services for victims of adult sexual assault every year, excluding unreimbursed medical costs and the cost of criminal investigations and prosecutions. Findings suggest gaps in services to victims and a need for additional support for service providers. The report includes recommendations to improve outcomes for victims. The research project was led by the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault at the University of Texas at Austin, assisted by staff of the Bureau of Business Research.Item Survey of Texas Hispanic-owned Businesses with Paid Employees(2012-08-17) Echeverri-Carroll, Elsie L.; Kellison, J. BruceThis report analyzes a survey of 2,811 Texas Hispanic-owned firms with paid employees conducted in 2011. The findings presented here build on results from the 2007 Survey of Business Owners (U.S. Census Bureau) and identify challenges to growth among Texas Hispanic-owned firms with employees. These firms were responsible for the vast majority of economic activity (sales, employment) among Texas Hispanic-owned businesses in 2007, despite representing only 9 percent of all Hispanic-owned businesses in Texas. Key findings reported in the study include the importance of the need for management and leadership training among the owners and their employees; the need for communication training; and the need for improved access to public- and private-sector customers. Case studies of individual companies illustrate the survey findings.Item Texas Public Libraries: Economic Benefits and Return on Investment, 2012(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2012-12) Jarrett, James E.; Kuipers, RebeccaReport examining the economic benefits of Texas public libraries. Includes 40 case profiles of specific libraries’ activities which benefit businesses, business organizations, self-employed individuals, employees, and job seekers. In 2011 Texas public libraries collectively were found to provide $2.407 billion in benefits while costing less than $0.545 billion, a return on investment of $4.42 for each dollar invested. Prepared by the Bureau of Business Research for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.Item The Economic Impact of Austin Technology Incubator Alumni Companies on Travis County, 2003–2012(Bureau of Business Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 2014-01) Jarrett, James E.; Field, Ryan R.The Austin Technology Incubator (ATI) is the business incubator of the IC² Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. ATI works with seed- and pre-seed-stage technology startups, helping to prepare these businesses for commercial success. This study estimated the value to the Travis County economy of ATI companies that graduated over a 10-year period from 2003 to 2012. The study analyzed ATI’s economic contribution in two ways: First, it used data-intensive IMPLAN input-output analysis to estimate quantitative economic and fiscal impacts, based on a survey of ATI alumni company CEOs. Second, short case profiles, derived from interviews with ATI alumni founders, identified qualitative impacts. ATI companies that graduated in the 10 years from 2003 to 2012 are estimated to have generated more than $880 million dollars in economic benefits, created more than 6,520 jobs, and produced more than $20 million in local tax revenue. In addition, many of the founders of the graduated ATI companies later created other companies, became angel investors in local startups, and made important civic contributions beyond their incubated company.Item Survey of Texas Black-owned Businesses(2014-06-19) Kellison, J. Bruce; Kammer-Kerwick, Matt; Butler, John SibleyReport on the state of black-owned businesses in Texas, based on 2010 Census data and a statewide survey of black business owners conducted in 2013. The demographic portion of the study found that the number of black-owned businesses in Texas grew faster in the early 2000s than the state average for all businesses, but the vast majority of black-owned businesses in Texas were small, with no paid employees other than the owner. In sales and number of employees, black-owned businesses lagged behind state averages. In their survey responses, a majority of black business owners indicated they felt they had the education and skills needed to succeed. They saw room for improvement in the areas of political access and contracting opportunities.Item Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program: 2014 Update(2014-09) Kellison, J. Bruce; Jarrett, James E.This study updates the 2011 "Texas Moving Image Incentive Program: The Economic Benefits from Incentives" study from the Bureau of Business Research. It finds that there are economic benefits (direct and indirect) totaling $1.3 billion for the Texas economy from the $74.8 million that the Incentive Program spent on moving image projects from 2007 to 2012. The study also provides a summary of the economic impacts not just from spending associated with projects funded with incentives, but from the entire moving image industry in Texas.Item Health and Well-Being: Texas Statewide Sexual Assault Prevalence Study(Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, The University of Texas at Austin, 2015-08) Busch-Armendariz, Noël B.; Olaya-Rodriguez, Deidi; Kammer-Kerwick, Matt; Wachter, Karin; Sulley, Caitlin; Anderson, Kathleen; Huslage, MelodyFinal report from a study conducted in 2015 on the prevalence of sexual assault in Texas. The study was based on a statewide telephone survey conducted in English and Spanish using a randomly selected, representative sample of 1,203 adult Texans. The report presents descriptive findings on sexual assault prevalence, health and well-being in Texas, including the victims’ relationship to perpetrators, involvement of alcohol, reporting of sexual assault to the police and the impact of sexual assault on victims. Among its findings: 6.3 million (4.2 million women and 2.1 million men) or 33.2% of adult Texans have experienced some form of sexual assault in their lifetime. 413,000 (2.3% women and 2% men) or 2.2% of adult Texans experienced sexual assault within a year prior to the survey. 65.2% of victims report multiple victimizations. Sexual assault affects all genders; however, women (2 in 5) are twice as likely to be sexually assaulted as men (1 in 5) in their lifetimes. Women are more likely to experience sexual assault when they are 18 or older (26.1%), and men when they are ages 14 to 17 (10.6%). The study was a collaboration between the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault and the Bureau of Business Research at The University of Texas at Austin.