Bilmes’ primary research focuses on war financing and budgeting, and the long-term costs of military retirees and veterans.
Bilmes also conducts research in the following areas:
- Natural Capital accounting, and studying the economic value created by nature, open spaces, and the environment
- Budget reform including US and international resource allocation
- US reparations for slavery
- War costs, with a focus on the long-term costs of providing veterans disabilty benefits and health care
- City and regional topics, with a focus on budget and financial topics