Econsult Solutions is wrapping up a very busy year. During 2024, our firm worked for a variety of clients from across the country, delving into and analyzing a vast array of topics and issues to help them arrive at decisions on policies and strategies as they move forward. Our work allows us to complete research with an analytical mindset, gaining insights into what is affecting communities across the U.S., keeping our team inquisitive and sharp. In recapping this past year, we present here a short list of projects that cover a range issues, both in our hometown of Philadelphia and across America.
The New Hampshire Benefits Cliff: Analysis of Graduated Assistance Programs
In 2021, ESI evaluated the design of New Hampshire’s benefit programs to identify and recommend improvements to reduce disincentives to workforce participation and economic mobility. After adopting several of the recommendations, the State Department of Health and Human Services again engaged ESI this past year to analyze updated program rules and evaluate further policy options. Find out more.
Doom Loop or Boom Loop: Work from Home and the Challenges Facing America’s Big Cities
Are American cities in a doom loop or a boom loop? Are the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly remote work, a permanent disruption to urban agglomeration? And how are cities across the country adapting to the realities of high commercial office vacancy rates? A team of ESI experts researched data from cities across the country and analyzed the impacts in their white paper for the Volcker Alliance, titled: Doom Loop or Boom Loop: Work from Home and the Challenges Facing America’s Big Cities. They further posited the potential for a turn-around through policies that leverage the benefits of remote work. Read the white paper.
The Great Seneca Plan: Connecting Life and Science, Montgomery County, MD
Over the past several decades, Montgomery County, Maryland has been a hub for the growing life sciences industry, given its close proximity to federal agencies responsible for health and science. Montgomery Planning of the Maryland-National Parks and Planning Commission tasked ESI with research and evaluation of their comprehensive plan for mixed-use development in the Great Seneca section of the county to foster further expansion of the life sciences sector through promotion of housing affordability, cultivation of innovation activities within the Great Seneca Science Corridor, and development of community amenities in order to attract a workforce to support growth of the industry. Read the report.
The Economic and Social Impact of the University of Denver 
Higher education faces increasing scrutiny in America, with institutions being compelled to demonstrate their value to host communities and regions. ESI assists higher education institutions to quantify and demonstrate their economic and social impacts. As both an anchor institution and catalyst for regional growth, University of Denver demonstrates how a premier research university can drive economic prosperity while fulfilling its broader educational and social responsibilities. Learn more.
The Economic, Community, and Social Benefits of the Neighborhood Preservation Initiative
Over the past two years, Philadelphia City Council’s Neighborhood Preservation Initiative has invested $200 million in neighborhood stabilization through keeping residents in their homes and local businesses in place. ESI evaluated data from the range of outcomes this funding has enabled to help inform decisions on further investments that support programs that achieve the goals of City Council’s initiative. Find out more.
Burke Lakefront Airport Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis
The decision to continue operation of a small airport or move to closure is complex and involves multiple stakeholders. The City of Cleveland turned to ESI to study the impact of options related to the closure of Burke Lakefront Airport (BKL). Our analysis quantified the airport’s current economic contributions to the community and evaluated the potential impact of three alternative development scenarios. We found that the decision to retain or close BKL would not have significant economic consequences for the City, provided that nearby airports are able to absorb the transportation demands being met by BKL. Nevertheless, redevelopment of the site involves several challenges, not the least of which is mitigation of the unique subsurface conditions of the airport grounds, which, while important, was not a parameter of the study. Read the report.
The Economic Impact of Montana Film Production: An Analysis of the Industry and the MEDIA Act, 2024
Attracting media production away from Hollywood is a competitive arena. Many states have developed programs to incentivize filming in the unique landscapes and locales found in their jurisdictions. The economic impacts on communities can be nuanced, so it is important to analyze policies that aim to lure productions. The Montana Film Office has relied on ESI to evaluate its MEDIA Act Tax Credit program since 2020. Find out more.
Avenue of the Arts: AVE ARTS 2.0
Broad Street in the City of Philadelphia is one of America’s Great Streets. Avenue of the Arts was established decades ago to stake out a future for South Broad Street that is firmly grounded in the performing arts to help revitalize Center City through public placemaking and beautification. This past year, ESI helped the non-profit organization, Avenue of the Arts, Inc., with an economic impact study to demonstrate the impact of its investments to date. This study is also meant to serve as a template for how AAI’s new Vision Plan will impact the corridor and the region into the next era. Read more.
Friars Forever: The Economic and Social Impact of Providence College Athletics
College athletics is a unique offering in a community, drawing visitors to campus, stimulating spending well beyond stadium, arena, and field house concession stands. Visitor spending is an economic infusion that data often shows is a net benefit. For Providence College, ESI found that the athletics program economic impact totals $100.3 million in the state of Rhode Island. Further, community impacts realized through college athletics provide tangible benefits that ESI is adept at qualifying. Learn more.
The Organic Agriculture Industry in Pennsylvania
In past years, ESI studied the agriculture industry in Pennsylvania. In 2023, we worked with the State Department of Agriculture to evaluate the impacts of the organics sector and found that it is a substantial component of the industry. We completed research and analyses of economic and fiscal impacts, supply chain, SWOT, and gaps in production and processes to provide actionable insights for the Department and its stakeholders. The results of our findings were presented in January at the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Details in the report.
This is just a sampling of what we undertook in 2024. We appreciate the projects entrusted to us by our clients and look forward to a productive year ahead.
Bonus Highlight: The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia 2024 Report
While this is not an ESI report, it encapsulates much of what we strive to achieve when providing our services. We are proud that our work as a firm, and overall efforts to support the community we are a part of, have been recognized for the fourth year in a row! The Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia benchmarks and recognizes civic-minded companies using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities. This honor would not be possible without a dedicated team of hardworking, socially-minded individuals eager to better the communities we serve. We also wish to congratulate our fellow honorees who actively strive to create a more socially-minded business landscape. Learn more.