Do Research Methods Matter in Enterprise Zone Outcome Evaluations?

Abstract

Zhang (2015) and Lambert and Coomes (2001) have studied the Louisville Enterprise Zone (EZ) program and drawn different conclusions. This Forum/Letter to the Editor unpacks the differences in both studies by first exploring the structure and implementation of a state EZ program and various factors affecting EZ outcome measures. Methodologically, it is crucial to control for these factors to avoid biases in assessing the effectiveness of a program. Further exploration of conventional methods in the existing literature suggests that econometric analyses can offer remedies to control for these factors.