Journal

The Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis (JBCAis the only journal devoted exclusively to benefit-cost analysis, the leading evidence-based analytical method for determining if the consequences of specific public actions make society better off overall. JBCA publishes theory, empirical analyses, case studies, and techniques. Applications include social programs related to education, crime, health, poverty, labor and housing as well as regulations and projects related to the environment, natural resources, transportation, safety, and security. The interdisciplinary nature, with contributors from a wide range of disciplines and areas of public policy, is unique. JBCA’s mission is to expand the use of serious, state-of-the art BCA by individuals and groups who make public policy decisions, those who advise, and those who implement the projects, programs, and policies. By serving as a bridge, the JBCA serves an important role that few other journals provide.

All SBCA members receive a free subscription to the JBCASBCA Members: For full access to JBCA content, please log into the website. An “Access to JBCA” link will then display in the “Quick Links” menu on the right.

 
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Testimonials from Leading Experts

"The systematic use of benefit-cost analysis in determining the allocation of public expenditures has been of the greatest use in public policy. A journal devoted both to the presentation of applications and to a study of the theoretical and oractical problems in the implementation of benefit-cost analysis will serve as a powerful tool for the dissemination of improved practices in the field."

- Kenneth J. Arrow, Joan Kenney Professor of Economics and Professor of Operations Research, Emeritus, Stanford University

"This is a superb journal, with a large number of truly excellent contributions. In terms of thinking about regulation and cost-benefit analysis, it is indispensable reading."

- Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University and former Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

"Benefit-cost analysis is crucially important in determining the contribution of economics to policy decisions. The Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, as the outstanding forum for refinement of benefit-cost analysis, is key in promoting its further development. It is a top journal. It should be read by every economist."

- George S. Tolley, Professor Emeritus of Economics, University of Chicago 

"The Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis is a must-read for leading practitioners and academics around the world."

- John D. Graham, Dean, Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs and former Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

"As the leading outlet for cutting edge economic research as well as principles for the practice of benefit-cost analysis, the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis has a unique and vital policy-relevant role.

- W. Kip Viscusi, SBCA President and University Distinguished Professor of Law, Economics, and Management, Vanderbilt University

"The journal [is] able not only to advance BCA methods but also to continue to support their appropriate application by federal agencies and increasingly by state governments seeking to use scarce resources more efficiently."

- David L. Weimer, SBCA Past President and Edwin E. Witte Professor of Political Economy, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"Our members are committed to improving the theory and practice of benefit-cost analysis across numerous policy areas, and there is no better way to achieve this goal than through our journal, which encourages high-quality scholarship and ensures that the results are widely-disseminated."

- Lisa A. Robinson, SBCA Past President, Harvard University Center for Health Decision Science and Center for Risk Analysis