This research, funded under NSF's Urban Systemic Infrastructure solicitation, evaluates the influence of urban-infrastructure management structures on infrastructure quality and performance. Management structure serves as a description of the overall decision-making framework for infrastructure investment and maintenance. The research design consists of 10-12 case studies in transportation and water-resources infrastructure, complemented by statistical analyses of the key quantifiable relationships identified. The major products of the research are: (1) a framework for decision-making to improve infrastructure performance; (2) an empirically based understanding of decision-making and management attributes that tend to enhance infrastructure performance; and (3) a design for training and technology-transfer programs for infrastructure management. In addition, the project outputs include the design of curriculum materials and the design of a workshop and training session for infrastructure managers. The work will be performed by an multi-disciplinary team of engineers, social scientists, management scientists, and urban and environmental planners from (a) New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and (b) Polytechnic University's Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, in conjunction with a number of participating infrastructure organizations.
