



REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS


RESEARCH PAPERS AND SEMINAR 
ON
“LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC INTERVENTIONS IN INNER-CITY AREAS IN LATIN AMERICA”

 

THE RESEARCH THEME

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy announces a new research initiative to commission research papers or case studies and to support participation in a seminar focusing on large-scale, public-sector interventions in inner-city areas in Latin America. 

An increasing number of large cities in Latin America are experiencing the abandonment of well-serviced inner-city areas and the concomitant expansion of under-serviced peripheral areas. Montevideo in Uruguay is a case in point, especially because the process there occurs in a context of population loss. Declining inner-city areas in Latin America have become the locus of poverty and informality, even though these areas are centrally located, offer infrastructure and services, and have valuable cultural and historic features worth preserving. Initiatives to revitalize inner-city areas have suffered from fragmented or ill-conceived approaches and insufficient funding. 

Typical inner-city interventions aim at preserving historic monuments and attracting high-end users through redevelopment, regeneration, and conversion of existing buildings. For the most part, these initiatives ignore the social dimensions of inner-city areas. They rarely consider the possibility of converting inner-city buildings into affordable housing, although there is some evidence that such conversions may be competitive with typical popular housing developments in the urban fringe. Moreover, some inner-city revitalization initiatives designed to attract high-end economic activities using conventional instruments have not been very effective. As a result, more Latin American cities are now contemplating popular uses of inner-city areas, including small businesses and affordable housing.  

This research initiative aims to explore the economic feasibility of developing affordable housing projects in inner-city areas in comparison with the alternatives for the poor in the urban periphery (whether offered by the public sector or informal developers), and with conventional redevelopment options (such as historic heritage preservation and high-end housing and commercial uses). In sum, this initiative calls for studies focused on the socioeconomic sustainability of low-income land uses in inner-city areas.

We are particularly interested in studies that address the following issues:

1. The long-term social and economic benefit-cost ratio of popular versus conventional inner-city projects and the benefit-cost ratio of providing affordable housing in the inner city versus in peripheral areas, including the enhanced capacity of low-income families to pay for housing due to transportation savings afforded by inner-city living; the magnitude of subsidies required to provide affordable housing in inner cities compared to peripheral urban areas where investments in new infrastructure and services would be needed; costs of under-utilization of serviced inner-city areas compared to that of slum upgrading or provision of affordable housing in unserviced urban fringes; the effects of higher intra-urban land price differentials compared to lower land values in the inner city. Costs and benefits could be measured in terms of fiscal revenues and expenses, employment and income growth versus declining employment and income trends, or urban violence versus social cohesiveness, for example. 

2. Analysis of the functioning of urban land markets in inner-city areas. In particular, land price trends related to current versus expected land uses in these areas. Of special interest are the factors that may explain upward and downward price trends in inner-city areas.

3. The relative effectiveness of alternative economic, fiscal, and regulatory land use instruments in attracting new and sustainable uses in inner-city areas; and the comparative analysis of these instruments for high-end uses and for popular uses. 

Scholars are encouraged to consider a broad range of issues and questions related to large-scale, public-sector interventions in inner-city areas, such as: 

* The extent to which long-run considerations on highest and best uses may actually influence short-run, public-sector decisions.

* Evaluation of the cost of subsidies (hidden and/or open) in actual inner-city revitalization programs compared to the costs (for the city and society) of largely inactive and abandoned inner-city areas.

* Negative land or building prices, that is, situations in which buyers are unwilling to acquire or occupy properties in inner-city areas unless subsidized to do so. 

* Measuring the impacts of major public or private interventions in inner-city areas on land prices in adjacent areas, and assessing whether such impacts may in turn affect land prices in the area under intervention (i.e., the feedback effect).

* Gentrification without displacement issues, including the sustainability conditions needed to insure the benefits to lower-income families in inner cities.

It is expected that the research proposals will clearly present the research hypotheses, source of the data to be used, methods and techniques to analyze the impact of large-scale public-sector intervention in inner-city areas, and benchmarks defined to assess results. 
THE RESEARCH PAPER AND SEMINAR

Authors of selected research proposals will be required to participate in a research seminar on LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC INTERVENTIONS IN INNER-CITY AREAS IN LATIN to be held in  June, 2007 at the Lincoln Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts (or at a different location to be defined later). Participants will present their draft papers covering their work-in-progress for review and discussion at the seminar. It is expected that the feedback given by peer reviewers will help authors adjust, calibrate, and improve their analytical approach and methodology. The final papers due November 20, 2007, will be considered for inclusion in the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Working Papers series and may be posted on the Institute’s Web site. 

The Institute will pay up to $10,000 for each final paper, and will cover expenses for travel and accommodations during the seminar.

THE EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

A panel of experts convened by the Lincoln Institute will evaluate the research proposals based on:

Criteria
Weight
* Relevance of the research topic for the advancement of knowledge on the impact of public-sector interventions on land prices
35
* Quality of the proposed methodology and sources of data
40
* General academic qualifications of the researcher(s) and relevant analytical experience as indicated by prior work.
25

100
Incomplete proposals, proposals received after the due date, or proposals that do not respect the format defined in the attached Guidelines will not be considered.

 SCHEDULE 


Proposals due:
September 15, 2006
Awards announced:
November 20, 2006
First draft paper due
May 21, 2007
Research Seminar:
June, 2007
Final paper due:
November 20, 2007



About the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is a nonprofit and tax-exempt educational institution founded in 1974 to improve the quality of public debate and decisions in the areas of land policy and land-related taxation in the United States and around the world. The Institute’s goals are to integrate theory and practice to better shape land policy and to provide a nonpartisan forum for discussion of the multidisciplinary forces that influence public policy. This focus on land derives from the Institute’s founding objective—to address the links between land policy and social and economic progress—that was identified and analyzed by Henry George. 

The work of the Institute is organized in four departments: Valuation and Taxation, Planning and Urban Form, Economic and Community Development, and International Studies. We seek to inform decision making through education, research, demonstration projects, and the dissemination of information through publications, our Web site, and other media. Our programs bring together scholars, practitioners, public officials, policy advisers, and involved citizens in a collegial learning environment. The Institute does not take a particular point of view, but rather serves as a catalyst to facilitate analysis and discussion of land use and taxation issues—to make a difference today and to help policy makers plan for tomorrow.


Lincoln Institute of Land Policy 
113 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA 02138-3400 USA

Phone: 1-617-661-3016 x127 or 1-800-LAND-USE (800-526-3873)
Fax: 1-617-661-7235 or 1-800-LAND-944 (800-526-3944)
E-mail: help@lincolninst.edu
Web: www.lincolninst.edu

The Lincoln Institute is an equal opportunity institution.	

RESEARCH PROPOSAL GUIDELINES


Language: All sections of the proposal must be submitted in one of the three following languages: English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The Project Abstract (Form B) must be submitted in English in all cases. 

Submission of proposals: Proposals must be received at the Lincoln Institute by September 15, 2006, and only complete proposals will be accepted. A complete proposal will contain all of the sections described below, submitted in Microsoft Word, plus a copy of the Budget (Form E) in Excel format. 

The proposal format should have one-inch margins for copying on 8.5 x 11-inch (letter size) paper. All pages should be numbered sequentially. Use page breaks for each separate section and form. Submit your proposal by e-mail with two document attachments: one Word document containing the entire proposal, and a second Excel document containing the budget only. 

Send the e-mail to lacinvestigacion@lincolninst.edu.  In the subject line, put last name of lead researcher, followed by the first name. The Institute will send an acknowledgment by e-mail when your proposal has been received and reviewed for format accuracy. Please allow five to seven business days after September 15, 2006 to receive this acknowledgement. 

Incomplete proposals, proposals received after the due date, or proposals that do not respect the format defined in these Guidelines will not be considered.

Proposal Sections: Proposals must include all the sections listed below in a single Word document. 

1. Proposal Cover Sheet (use Form A). Contact information for the lead researcher and all other research participants. All correspondence will be made with the lead researcher. 
2. Project Abstract (use Form B).
3. Table of Contents (use Form C).
4. Calendar of Activities (use Form D)
5. Budget (use Form E)
6. Project Description. The project description may not exceed five (5) pages, single-spaced. It should cover the following: 
a) Research objective and specific research question(s);
b) Theoretical or conceptual framework and main hypothesis to be tested; 
c) Methodology, sources of empirical data, and data collection strategy; 
d) Expected results, their application, and dissemination strategy; 
e) Role of each participant in the research team, including the lead researcher, research collaborators and/or research assistants; 
f) Description of partnerships, if the research involves collaboration with academic institutions, government agencies, private firms, civil society organizations, and/or community groups.
	The final product of the research will be considered for inclusion in the Lincoln Institute Working Paper series. 
7. Curriculum Vitae and Narrative Biography for all participants in the research project (submit a CV, not to exceed four (4) pages, and a short narrative biography of 100 to 125 words.)

LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY

Form A

RESEARCH PROPOSAL COVER SHEET

TITLE OF PROJECT______________________________________________________________

LEAD RESEARCHER

Full Name _____________________________________________________________________

Title	Department________________________

Organization	

Street Address__________________________________________________________________

City__________________ State_________ Postal Code_____________ Country ____________

Phone: Country Code (__) Area Code (__ ) Number ___________________________________

Fax: Country Code (__) Area Code (__) Number ______________________________________

E-mail ________________________________________________________________________

RESEARCH COLLABORATOR 

Full Name _____________________________________________________________________

Title ________________________Department________________________________________

Organization	

Street Address_________________________________________________________________

City__________________ State_________ Postal Code_____________ Country ____________

Phone: Country Code (__) Area Code (__ ) Number ___________________________________

Fax: Country Code (__) Area Code (__) Number ______________________________________

E-mail ________________________________________________________________________

FOR OTHER PARTICIPANTS (CO-AUTHORS, COLLABORATORS, ASSISTANTS, CONSULTANTS, INTERVIEWERS, OR OTHERS) SPECIFY CONTACT INFORMATION USING THE ABOVE FORMAT.

How did you learn about this request for research proposals? ( ) Land Lines magazine; 
( ) Lincoln Institute Web site; ( ) Colleague; ( ) E-mail; ( ) Listserv; ( ) Mail; ( ) Other.


LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY

Form B

PROJECT ABSTRACT

This abstract should state clearly the key purpose and goals of the project. If your project is selected for funding, this information may be used in Lincoln Institute catalogs and magazines and on the Web site to announce your award. 

TITLE OF THE PROJECT: _________________________________________________________	

ABSTRACT: DO NOT EXCEED 100 WORDS (must be written in English)

































LEAD RESEARCHER NAME: _______________________________________________________	

LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY

Form C

TABLE OF CONTENTS


Project Title

Page No.
1. Proposal Cover Sheet (Form A)
________
2. Project Abstract (Form B)
________
3. Table of Contents (Form C)
________
4. Calendar of Activities (Form D)
________
5. Budget (Form E)
________
6. Project Description 
________
7. Curriculum Vitae and Narrative Biography
________













LEAD RESEARCHER NAME: _______________________________________________________

LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY

Form D

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES 1/


Activities
Start Date
Completion Date
Literature review 


Data collection 


Data analysis 


First draft paper sent to Lincoln Institute 2/

May 21, 2007
Research Seminar

June 2007
Final paper sent to Lincoln Institute (formatted according to Lincoln Working Paper Guidelines) 3/

November 20, 2007


1/ If activities listed are not appropriate for your project, please replace them with activities that are appropriate. The completion dates for delivery of the draft and final paper are set by the Lincoln Institute and cannot be modified. The Institute will inform participants about the specific date of the research seminar. 

2/ The first draft paper must include substantive information conducive to meaningful feedback from peer reviewers. The draft paper needs to cover at least the literature review, a description of the database, and a preliminary analysis, and should not exceed a total of 50 to 75 pages (including table of contents, acronyms, main text, illustrations, tables, annexes, and other relevant materials).

3/ The Lincoln Working Paper Guidelines will be distributed to all the selected researchers at the time the award is announced.















LEAD RESEARCHER NAME: _______________________________________________________

LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY

Form E

BUDGET TEMPLATE 1/

 Category
Unit Cost 2/
No. of Units
Total Cost
 
US$

US$
 
 

 
Personnel Expenses
 

 
 Lead researcher fees
 

 
 Research collaborator(s) fees
 

 
 Research assistant stipend
 

 
Personnel expenses sub-total
 

 
 
 

 
Travel Expenses3/
 

 
 Airfare
 

 
 Hotel
 

 
 Meals
 

 
 Ground transportation
 

 
Travel expenses sub-total
 

 
 
 

 
Data purchase and/or data collection
 

 

 

 
Operational Expenses
 

 
 Office supplies
 

 
 Communications (phone, e-mail, mail)
 

 
 Other (specify)
 

 
Operational expenses sub-total
 

 

 

 
Other costs (specify)
 

 

 

 
Total Project Cost
 
 
 
1/If this budget template is not appropriate for your project, please replace it with a budget that is appropriate, using the same format.

2/ Unit cost refers to the daily rates for personnel and travel expenses, or monthly rates for operational expenses. Estimate the cost of acquiring data and/or collecting data for the entire duration of the project. 

3/ Travel expenses should not include travel to attend the research seminar.


LEAD RESEARCHER NAME: _______________________________________________________
LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF LAND POLICY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Proposal Format
* Should the entire proposal be single- or double-spaced?  Single-spaced. 
* Is there a desired format to follow when writing the five-page project description? No. 
* How detailed should the five-page project description be? Whatever best conveys the intent of your proposal. 
* Should the five-page project description include a budget? No. Use Form E for budget information.
* Should the five-page project description include a timetable or work plan? No. Please put the work plan in Form D.
* Must all submissions be electronic? Yes. Please send proposals by e-mail to lacinvestigacion@lincolninst.edu .
* Must all submissions be in Microsoft Word? Yes. Also include an Excel file of the budget only.
* Do I need to send a hard copy of the proposal? 	No
* What is the format for the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Working Paper? This format will be communicated to authors of selected proposals. 

Budget
* Does the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy cover overhead? 	No.
* Would the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy pay for expenditures over $10,000? 	No
* What does the award amount cover? The total award of up to $10,000 covers all aspects of research including research assistance, data, books, and research related travel. In addition, the Lincoln Institute will pay for travel and lodging expenses for the research seminar in Cambridge, MA (or other venue). 

Evaluation Criteria
* Do you need to be a U.S. citizen to apply? 	No.
* Is the research paper restricted to cases in Latin America?  Yes.
* Do you fund only academics? What about professionals or Ph.D. students working on their dissertations? The RFP targets but is not restricted to academics and holders of the Ph.D.
* Can the paper be co-authored? Yes. Contact details of all authors must be mentioned in the proposal and a lead researcher must be designated for correspondence purposes. However we will not be able to guarantee that all authors can come to the seminar; we will make that decision later.
* How many proposals do you expect to receive? The average number of responses to Lincoln Institute RFPs is 30, within a range of 10 to 100.
* Can I get feedback on the substance of my proposal? No. This is a competitive process, so all participants must have access to the same information.
* Can I make changes to a section of my proposal after having sent it in? Only if you do so before the final date for submission of proposals and only if you send a complete revised version that will replace the original one. Isolated sections will not be considered.
* Does the proposal deadline refer to the postmark date or the date of receipt by the Institute? Date of receipt by the Institute. 

If you have further questions regarding the Guidelines for Research Proposals, please send e-mail to lacinvestigacion@lincolninst.edu.

