21st Century Cities Initiative: Brad Humphreys and Rep. Tony Bridges

Description

Dr. Brad Humphreys (PhD '94), professor of Economics at West Virginia University, will give a talk entitled "Caught Stealing? The Pros and Cons of Subsidies for Professional Sports Facilities and Their Impact on Cities" for the 21st Century Cities Initiative. The event will include a discussion of the recent developments regarding the Preakness and Pimlico with local public officials, including Delegate Tony Bridges representing Maryland's 41st district.

How do professional sports teams affect the economic development of the cities they call home? Are sports stadiums a boon for local employment and small businesses, or do cities stand to lose more in tax breaks and development costs? Would the prime real estate often afforded to stadiums be better utilized otherwise? Professor Humphreys will address these questions and more and discuss how the Preakness and Pimlico might be affecting economic development in Baltimore.