BATIC Institute: AASHTO Center of Excellence in Project Finance

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

Mercator has extensive experience working with state transportation finance officials to promote public sector capacity building in the analysis and use of project finance techniques and federal credit programs. From 2008 to 2012, for example, the firm played a leading role in designing and implementing the annual Wharton Transportation Executive Program for the AASHTO Center for Excellence in Project Finance (CEPF). Mercator worked with Wharton professors and staff to assemble a balanced program of academic and practical course modules for senior transportation professionals. More than 150 top state DOT and local government officials participated in the program over five years – including 30 chief executives and 23 chief financial officers.

Mercator designed and delivered numerous peer exchanges and technical training programs sponsored by the Build America Transportation Investment Center (BATIC) Institute, a cooperative venture between AASHTO and USDOT that succeeded the CEPF. In 2018, Mercator developed and moderated the BATIC Institute P3 Learning Lab, a two-day event designed specifically for representatives from state departments of transportation that have dedicated P3 units or personnel with responsibility for developing and implementing P3 projects.

Mercator’s commitment to public sector capacity building and our demonstrated success in collaborating with a broad range of industry participants are important differentiators.