Bonnie Colby

Bonnie Colby is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (home department) and holds a Joint Professorship in Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Arizona. Her primary office is located at McClelland Park, Room 301L. She earned her PhD in agricultural and natural resource economics from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1983.

Dr. Colby’s research focuses on the economics of environmental policy, particularly in natural resource management, water resource economics, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Her work emphasizes valuation of public goods, tribal water rights negotiations, and climate adaptation strategies in arid regions. She has pioneered studies on water justice, groundwater regulation, and institutional frameworks for regional water agreements.

Her recent publications (2020–2025) analyze policy tradeoffs in the Colorado River Basin, tribal water settlements, and economic dimensions of drought response. She has also contributed to frameworks for improving federal drought response and enhancing water market mechanisms like auctions and forbearance agreements. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, bridging economics, hydrology, and policy analysis.

Colby’s expertise extends to teaching advanced water resource economics and advising on environmental flow policy. She collaborates with governmental agencies, tribal nations, and international researchers to address complex water challenges in the American Southwest and beyond.