March 2012

Mar 6, 2012

Impacts of tax changes

Whenever there’s a proposal for a tax increase or decrease, there’s debate about the proposal’s merits. But, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, it’s not sufficient to look at the impacts of such tax changes in isolation. 

Mar 5, 2012

Schulman recognized as mentor

Dr. Michael Schulman, William Neal Reynolds Professor and Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professor, has been honored by the North Carolina State University Sociology Graduate Student Association with its Lifetime Mentorship Award. 

Mar 5, 2012

Beyond the yuck factor

Why do Americans continue to flush their toilets with drinking water? It’s a question that an N.C. State University team of soil scientists contemplates every day as they work to show that small-scale wastewater reuse can be a way to ensure a safe and plentiful water supply in the face of projected nationwide water shortfalls. 

Mar 5, 2012

North Carolina’s leading economic index

As N.C. State University economist Mike Walden enters his third year of producing North Carolina’s monthly leading economic index, he takes a look at what recent trends in the index tell us about the state’s future economy. 

Mar 2, 2012

4,000+ Extension Master Gardeners help make N.C. a greener place

With spring on its way, Extension Master Gardeners across the state are working in full gear, helping fellow gardeners – beginners and experts, young and old – enhance their landscapes, grow their own fruits and vegetables and learn about the science behind gardening. 

Mar 2, 2012

YOU DECIDE: Do we have different economic problems?

The economy faces cyclical and structural problems. Mike Walden explains the difference and why measures designed to strengthen one part of the economy may actually weaken another part. 

Mar 2, 2012

Extension Master Gardener, Master Messenger

Wake County grower practices on his farm what he preaches as N.C. Master Gardener Volunteer Association president. 

Mar 2, 2012

Missing the housing bust

Released minutes of Federal Reserve meetings in 2006 indicated the majority of members were not concerned about the housing market, and they did not foresee a crash in this market that would pull down the rest of the economy. How could such smart people ultimately be so wrong? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Mar 1, 2012

The new job report

What did the national January job report show? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the highlights of the good report.