He received his Ph.D. in economics from Northwestern University in 1984, and M.P.A. and B.A. degrees from Drake University. He taught economics at Holy Cross College (1984-90). His teaching interests include public finance and financial management, growth management policy, economic development policy, research methods and program evaluation. His research has focused on local and regional economic development tools and policies, growth management policy, government's role in education, local public finance and financial management. He also has directed the annual Illinois Policy Survey for the past several years.