The New Normal Featuring Kenneth A. Kriz, Ph.D., University of IL at Springfield
The Illinois Economy in 2020: Difficult Challenges, No Easy Answers
In this presentation Dr. Kriz will review the difficult path that the economy has taken over the last 3 months. Starting from cautious optimism about economic growth prospects in January and early February, he will trace the rapid economic decline caused by the coronavirus and the response of households, businesses, and governments. Then he will describe and assess our current situation and proposed pathways forward. Finally, he will discuss some of the potential long-run impacts from the virus and a heightened awareness of risks to the economy and our livelihoods.
Kenneth A. Kriz, Ph.D. is University Distinguished Professor of Public Administration at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Dr. Kriz conducts research focusing on subnational debt policy and administration, public pension fund management, government financial risk management, economic and revenue forecasting, and behavioral public finance. A nationally recognized scholar for his work on public finance and quantitative data analysis, Dr. Kriz has published over 40 academic journal articles and book chapters along with a textbook on quantitative research methods in public administration and a co-edited book on tax increment financing, a frequently used economic development incentive. Dr. Kriz has consulted with several public and nonprofit organizations on financial and economic matters, including the cities of New York City, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Omaha, and Wichita and the states of Nebraska and Kansas. Dr. Kriz served as Vice-Chairperson of the City of Omaha, Nebraska Civilian Employees Retirement System from 2006 to 2011 and on the Board of Trustees of the Wichita, Kansas Police & Fire Retirement System and on the Joint Investment Committee for the city’s pension funds from 2014 to 2018. Dr. Kriz was a Fulbright Scholar in the Republic of Estonia during academic year 2004-05 and a Fulbright Senior Specialist in the Czech Republic in 2008.