Benefit-Cost Analysis
Quantify whether a project or policy generates positive economic and social returns.
What this looks like in practice
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BCAs for federal grant programs
Analysis aligned with USDOT and other agency standards, prepared to the applicable methodology.
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Capital project prioritization
Comparative analysis across a portfolio of candidate investments to support capital planning decisions.
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Policy and program analysis
Pre- or post-adoption analysis of regulations, incentives, or public programs.
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Sensitivity and scenario testing
Stress-testing of results with alternative assumptions to support careful planning and decision-making.
Our clients are
- Pursuing a competitive grant and need a credible analysis to demonstrate project value
- Making a case to a board, funder, or government body that a capital investment is worth its price tag
- Prioritizing among multiple potential investments with different benefit types and time horizons
Featured projects
Related practice areas
Core services represent ESI's key analytical frameworks. See our practice areas for how our analysis relates to our areas of expertise.
Infrastructure Economics
Most of our benefit-cost work supports transportation and infrastructure investments and the grants that fund them. Explore
Public Policy and Fiscal Analysis
We weigh the costs and returns of regulations, incentives, and public programs. Explore
Real Estate and Land Use Planning
Benefit-cost framing helps test whether a development or land use decision pays off over time. Explore