In the session "The Economy: Trends and Forecasting," speakers highlighted trends in the national and international economy, as well as methods used by local governments to forecast trends in their communities. The panel included Samuel Finz, City Manager of College Park, MD; Mark Vitner, Vice President and Senior Economist, Wachovia, Charlotte, NC; and David Wyss, Chief Economist, Standard and Poor's. Mr. Finz provided attendees with the handout Closing the “Gap” through Public Capital Investment.