The thinking behind the work
Essays from our Present Value blog, news from the firm, and our analysts in the press.
Outdoor Recreation, Economic Value, and Quality of Place: A Conversation with Silas Chamberlin
At ESI, some of our recent work has focused on quantifying the economic and fiscal value of open space, trails, and outdoor…
More than Recreation: Parks as Community Development Drivers
Who doesn’t love spending a sunny Saturday at their neighborhood park? We all know and love our local parks as places to…
Beyond Jurisdiction Lines: How City-County Partnerships Are Reshaping Planning
Across the country, cities and counties are rethinking how they work together to address growth, infrastructure, and economic development. Challenges such as…
Project Spotlight: Taking Care of Business
The Philadelphia Taking Care of Business Clean Corridors Program plays a critical role in strengthening neighborhood commercial corridor districts through consistent cleaning…
ESI Advances Long-Range Succession Plan and Next-Generation Leadership; Lee Huang to Conclude Tenure as Principal
Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) announces that effective May 15, 2026, and as part of ESI’s long-range succession plan, Lee Huang will conclude his tenure as a principal…
Housing Affordability as an Economic Development Catalyst
The Connection Between Housing Affordability and Economic Development Housing affordability has become an increasingly prominent concern for local and state policymakers in…
Econsult Solutions, Inc. Announces Transition of Founding Principal Richard Voith
Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) announces that Founding Principal and Board Chairman Richard Voith, Ph.D., will conclude his tenure as a principal and owner…
Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Better Utilizing Investments…
Moving Cities: Los Angeles
How do you make transit competitive with car travel in a city where auto-centric planning has dominated for decades? This is a…
Previewing the Impact of 2026 Sporting Events in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is no stranger to big sporting events; this city has seen it all. Over the next year it will be preparing…
What the U.S. Can Learn from Apprenticeship Degrees Abroad
Earlier this month, I had the privilege of joining colleagues from across the world in Oxford, England, for the annual convening of…
The Exit Interview: Thoughts from our 2025 Summer Interns
At ESI, we understand the value of internships in shaping future careers. That's why we offer hands-on, real-world experiences that go beyond…
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