A leading economist has been appointed by the West Midlands mayor to advise on a £2.4 billion investment programme.
Bridget Rosewell will provide independent advice to Mayor Richard Parker on aligning the region's capital investments with his recently launched Growth Plan.
Her work will focus on Transport for City Regions funding and the wider investment programme with the aim of ensuring each project delivers the biggest economic benefits and unlocks private investment.
Ms Rosewell has served on the National Infrastructure Commission and advised on major rail projects including HS1, HS2 and the Elizabeth Line in London.
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She will now work with the mayor and other West Midlands leaders to identify and drive forward new opportunities for infrastructure-led growth and get the best value for money from its investment programme.
The review is expected to report to the West Midlands Combined Authority before the end of the year.
Mayor Parker said: "This is about making every pound work harder for the people of the West Midlands.
"We've secured billions for transport and infrastructure but we need to stretch that funding as far as possible and we need it to have the biggest impact for our residents and the economy.
"We can make that £2.4 billion go further if we explore creative ways to quickly deliver infrastructure and mechanisms like tax incremental finance.
"That would mean we use the initial fund to catalyse billions more and crowd in private investment behind public funds.
"Bridget brings the independent expertise we need to make sure our projects deliver jobs, growth and homes alongside better transport for local people."
The 'Rosewell Review' will set out a prospectus of major investment opportunities across the West Midlands and review existing and planned projects to check they still meet local priorities.
It will also advise on how to best use the £2.4 billion Transport for City Regions allocation and recommend new proposals for how projects are planned, financed and delivered.
The Investment Prospectus produced by Ms Rosewell will be showcased at the Government's Regional Investment Summit to be held in the West Midlands in October.
Ms Rosewell said: "I am pleased to help bring together growth opportunities and regional investment programmes. This has been a matter close to my heart for some considerable time.
"Facilitating private investment and supporting appropriate public contributions to their best effect is very important to the future of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ economy and I hope this review will help."
