Think Tank Round-Up: Primary Source of Liquidity Edition.

TTR goes meta this week with rankings to measure which Think Tanks get the most media attention. We also look at how to manage China's rise on the world scene, consider six sure-fire metropolitan policy choices, and take the temperature of the housing market.

• Ranking the Tanks. Earlier this month, Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting released their list of the 25 most-cited Think Tanks in media last year. Predictably, the Brookings Institution took top billing with more than 2,000 mentions – at least double the amount of anyone else on the list. American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation rounded out the top three. Though citations were down for the fourth consecutive year, left-leaning institutions increased their share to 21 percent, up from 17 percent during 2007. In comparison, centrist groups held steady at 48 percent, while right-leaning groups saw a 5 percent decline to 31 percent. -- MH
• Managing China’s Arrival. To prepare for a future of interdependence, scholars at the Center for a New American Security present a strategic framework covering the political, economic, and military facets of this relationship. The report advises U.S. policymakers to support China's economic development, integrate the country into regional and global forums, and maintain our current alliances with other key players in Asia. Rather than regard China’s rise as a threat to our interests, the scholars identify areas in which U.S.-China cooperation will be beneficial for both countries. -- LL
• No More Delay: Proven Policy Solutions for New York City. [PDF] The Drum Major Institute released policy proposals for New York City, based on their success in other cities: guarantee paid sick leave to all workers, videotape police interrogations, require businesses with tax subsidies to create living-wage jobs, ensure construction of affordable housing, provide basic health care for the uninsured, and finance renewable energy systems. These six policies are proven to be cost-effective and don't hurt businesses. While DMI focuses on New York City, these may be good policies for the rest of the country as well.-- PL
• Housing Market Still on Weak Footing. Ted Gayer of the Brookings Institution weighs in on the state of the housing market. Despite modest increases in activity beginning in August, Gayer says the market is “still soft” and remains concerned by the Federal Reserve Bank’s activity in the market. The government, which is purchasing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securities, is the market's primary source of liquidity, an expensive proposition that promises a difficult transition as public assistance programs are unwound in the coming years. -- JL

-- TAP Staff

Previous Round-Ups:
9/22/09
9/15/09