A changing economy, society, and natural environment are placing new stresses on the country’s infrastructure systems. The rise of a digital economy, continued population growth, and a changing climate combine to introduce new demands for real estate, where essential infrastructure services should operate, and how to protect both our built and natural environment.

Governments carry an enormous burden to modernize infrastructure systems to promote shared and sustainable prosperity. Central to that effort is to develop deeper partnerships with the private sector around the design, construction, operation, and financing of infrastructure projects. However, doing so is often easier said than done. Many of the country’s public policies are woefully outdated relative to private sector innovation, ranging from procurement around new business models to more flexible financing arrangements.

On May 17, the Metropolitan Policy Program and National Association of Counties will host experts to discuss the modernization of infrastructure policies to improve public-private collaboration. Panelists will include:

• Adie Tomer, Fellow, Brookings Institution, Moderator
• Matthew Chase, Executive Director, NACo, welcoming remarks
• Hon. Roy Charles Brooks, NACo President, Commissioner, Tarrant County, Texas, introductory remarks (representing NACo)
• Judah Gluckman, Deputy Director and Counsel, D.C. Office of Public-Private Partnerships