An early example of research on constructing a light rail network in the greater Milwaukee region. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Center for Economic Development (UWMCED) have studied the potential economic consequences of a light rail transit (LRT) system in the Milwaukee region. We examined the available evidence on the economic development and land-use impact of fixed rail systems in cities such as Portland, Buffalo, Toronto, Baltimore, St. Louis, Atlanta, and San Francisco, and have reviewed public policies used in various cities to encourage economic benefits from urban rail investments. In addition, UWMCED used an input-output model to estimate the impact of the proposed LRT system on regional employment, earnings, and output.The UWMCED study concludes that, although the economic benefits of LRT should not be oversold and will require supportive public policies to be fully realized, a light rail system could contribute significantly to economic development in the city of Milwaukee and the entire region