Joseph W. Kane

Joseph W. Kane is a fellow at Brookings Metro whose work covers an array of built environment issues, including transportation and water infrastructure. Kane especially focuses on the intersection between infrastructure and economic development, with an eye toward building greater economic opportunity and climate resilience at the regional level. His work has informed the development of new policies, plans, and other investments among national, state, and local leaders, in addition to receiving coverage in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and other outlets.  

Kane brings more than 15 years of experience in quantitative and qualitative research, leading dozens of analytical and engagement projects across the country and producing more than 200 Brookings publications. Kane has particular expertise defining, measuring, and addressing challenges and opportunities facing the country’s infrastructure workforce, including water workers, energy workers, and green workers more broadly. Kane is a frequent speaker on these issues and has testified before Congress. In addition, Kane’s recent and ongoing work has explored water infrastructure planning and funding, federal infrastructure policy, and climate investment.  

Kane currently teaches graduate-level courses in infrastructure policy and planning at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Prior to Brookings, Kane was an economist at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Kane holds a master’s degree in urban and environmental planning from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree in economics and history from the College of William and Mary.