The thinking behind the work
Essays from our Present Value blog, news from the firm, and our analysts in the press.
Improving Accessibility in Cities
Cities are often the most accessible places to live. Public transit, sidewalks, density, and other public amenities mean that it is easier…
Econsult Solutions Announces Leadership Changes
PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 19, 2024 – Effective July 1, Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) is pleased to announce the following leadership transitions…
The State of High-Speed, Intercity Rail
The implementation of high-speed rail (HSR) networks can greatly reduce the travel time between big cities, with the optimal travel distance ranging…
The Importance of Higher Education and Workforce Development to a Growing Urban Economy
When I entered city government during the Rendell administration, I worked for the Philadelphia Commerce Department, then headed by Stephen P. Mullin,…
Light Reads: Memorial Day 2024
Our team at ESI has compiled a great set of events, activities, and articles for you to enjoy all Memorial Day Weekend…
(Unsolicited) Advice for New Board Members
Over the past several years there has been a collective, concerted effort in Greater Philadelphia and elsewhere to broaden the composition of…
Making Pedestrian-Only Streets a Reality in Philadelphia
Philly needs permanent pedestrian-only streets. Not just one, but a network of protected corridors in all our neighborhoods, brimming with activity and…
Expert Views: A Conversation with Gina Lavery on the Climate Resilience Index
In celebration of the release of the Climate Resilience Index our team has produced, I interviewed Gina Lavery, Senior Vice President and…
From the Vault: Features on Sustainability and Urban Resilience
In this Present Value post, we look back on thought provoking reads focused on the growing threat of climate change, the need for sustainability…
Finding Solutions for the Growing Student Housing Crisis
The current uncertainties within the higher education industry have been well-documented by contributors in Present Value. These range from existential, long-run issues—like…
Expensive Eggs and Rising Gas Prices: How Does Inflation Help Me Pay My Mortgage?
Inflation – a general rise in the price of all the things we buy – is a constant topic in the news,…
How Does Sea Level Rise Affect Us? Learning from New Jersey
Over the last century, sea levels in New Jersey have risen about 1.4 feet, due to both natural forces and groundwater pumping.…
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