Leonard Lardaro

Leonard Lardaro is a Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Rhode Island, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University (1979) and a B.A. in Economics from URI (1973). His research focuses on econometrics, labor economics, and public policy analysis, with significant contributions to Rhode Island’s economic modeling and policy evaluation.

He has authored Applied Econometrics (HarperCollins, 1992) and pioneered economic indicators like the Current Conditions Index (1995) and Jobless Improvement Index (1999). His work includes analyzing unemployment insurance impacts, union certification elections, and Rhode Island’s fiscal models. Dr. Lardaro served on state committees addressing workers’ compensation, tax policy, and workforce development, including a Workforce 2000 grant evaluating occupational vacancy rates.

His teaching spans econometrics, labor economics, and public finance, emphasizing theory-practice integration. He contributed economic analyses to the Providence Business News and Providence Journal, advising on major projects like the Providence Place Mall’s economic impact (1995).

Professional service includes roles on the Human Resource Investment Council, United Way advisory boards, and Governor-appointed committees from 1983 to 2008. His research bridges academic rigor with real-world policy application, particularly in regional economic forecasting and labor market dynamics.