Ayres Knowledge Center Infrastructure Asset Management | Page 2

INTRODUCTION
This report presents background and history on why asset management is important to community and
organizational leaders who routinely manage assets. From the standpoint of clean water, sanitary
sewers, and safe roads, our essential infrastructure is a key component of protecting public health and
maintaining a desirable living environment. Parks, trails, swimming pools, waterfronts, marinas,
museums, art galleries, and theaters all provide an improved quality of life for residents of our
communities, and essential infrastructure gives our communities a competitive edge when residents,
businesses, and industries vie for locations to base manufacturing plants, offices, and other facilities.
Likewise, essential infrastructure can be a catalyst for economic growth. Studies have shown that every
$1 invested in infrastructure delivers a $2 return on investment 1 from new jobs, added personal income,
taxes, and user fees. Asset management also supports sustainability and serves as an important impetus
for residents and businesses to engage with and reinvest in their communities by remodeling their
homes, offices, storefronts, and plant facilities.
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, 2012
http://www.businessinsider.com/infrastructure-economic-multiplier-2012-11
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