2023:
Presenters
Peter Lermo:
Title: How Has Income Impacted Opioid Overdoses?
The opioid crisis has been an ongoing and worsening issue in the United States. Previous literature on this subject was transparent that socioeconomic status and socioeconomic marginalization (SEM) play distinctive roles in determining opioid overdoses. This paper uses an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model to determine the relationship between the opioid overdose death rate per state and median income per state. This experimental study uses a sample of data from 2018-2020, looking at income per state per year and opioid overdoses per state per year. The findings from this study indicate that income levels alone do not directly influence opioid overdose rates. Variables such as high school graduation rates and annual average unemployment were more closely associated with high overdose rates, while crime did not have any significant correlation with opioid death rates.
Jarad Ponce:
Title: THE SIDEWALK EFFECT The Effect of Sidewalks on Home Prices in Fredericksburg, Va.
This study uses two Fredericksburg, Va., neighborhoods as a case study to explore the relationship between the presence of sidewalks and home sale prices. Using a dataset encompassing property information, including sidewalk availability and sales data, I employ statistical econometric methods to investigate whether sidewalks impact home sale prices. The analysis considers various control variables, spatial variations, and temporal trends to account for potential confounding factors. Preliminary findings suggest a positive association between sidewalks and higher home sale prices, indicating that sidewalks may contribute to property value. However, further research is needed to establish causality and assess the long-term effects. The implications of this study extend to urban planning, policy-making, and homeowners seeking to make informed property investments in the context of walkable infrastructure. Future research should delve deeper into the nuances of this relationship and consider socioeconomic and environmental dimensions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the “Sidewalk Effect.”
Discussants:
Jarad Ponce