News & Insights

The thinking behind the work

Essays from our Present Value blog, news from the firm, and our analysts in the press.

Present Value·Environmental Sustainability

Opinion: Why Climate Resiliency isn’t Always Equitable

As we enter in the hottest part of summer with record breaking temperatures and devastating floods, I am often left questioning just…

Present Value·Infrastructure Economics

SEPTA Key Advantage Update: Applications are Open

There’s some exciting news for large-sized employers in the Philadelphia region who are committed to sustainability, interested in returning to the office,…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

ESI’s Favorite Places to Eat

The Center City area of Philadelphia has some amazing places to dine. However, it wouldn’t be right to leave out the rest…

Present Value·Tourism

Light Reads: Fourth of July Weekend 2022

A Local's Guide to the Fourth of July in Philadelphia What better place to spend this year's Fourth of July than right…

Present Value·Real Estate and Land Use Planning

The Economics of Housing Affordability

Housing is a crucial aspect of society. Unfortunately, the costs of housing can be so disproportionately high relative to income levels that…

Present Value·Infrastructure Economics

Cities of the Future Must be Heat Resilient: A Framework for Combating Urban Heat Islands

We are a few short days away from the start of summer and the first heat advisory warnings have been issued across…

Present Value·Cybersecurity

Smart Cities and Cybersecurity

Historically, most cyber attacks have been directed toward firms, but as cities continue to grow smarter, they carry more information on their…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

Local Businesses: Important Components of Communities

As you casually walk through the city streets on your way to nowhere in particular, a peculiar sight meets your eye: rows…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

PA Agriculture: A Staple of the Economy

Agriculture has been and continues to be an integral part of Pennsylvania’s economy. According to a previous report published in 2021 by…

Present Value·Infrastructure Economics

Electric Vehicle Highlight: Innovative Models in Production

With the emergence and consistent advancements taking place in the automotive and technology sectors, electric vehicles (EVs) are a topic that is…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

ESI Eats: Putting Values into Motion

Looking out of the window from the 4th floor of the history-laden Drexel Building, peering down at the action below never gets…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

Local News: Building a Stronger and More Diverse Culture Around News

The decline of local news is hardly breaking news. But the slowness of this decline can obscure the impacts. As newspapers get…

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