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·Public Policy and Fiscal Analysis

The Case for Lowering the Voting Age

Election Day is when U.S. citizens exercise their right to vote for policies and political leaders. Starting from age 18 (and sometimes…

Present Value·Infrastructure Economics

Moving Cities: Montreal

Many people know that Montreal is a commercial, cultural, transportation, financial, and technology center in the Francophone province of Quebec, Canada. The…

Present Value·Public Policy and Fiscal Analysis

The Importance of Down-Ballot Races

In Philadelphia, the headlining race of the 2023 election season is the campaign to become the 100th Mayor. Cherelle Parker (D) and…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

Why Leadership Programs Like GPLEX are Good for Economic and Civic Vitality

For the past 20 years, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia has hosted GPLEX (Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange Program). Each year this…

Present Value·Public Policy and Fiscal Analysis

The Impact of Predictive Policing

As technology advances in public protection, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, the United States has been ushered into a new age of…

Present Value·Infrastructure Economics

Hoboken Terminal: Using Google Maps API to Optimize Transit Accessibility and Mobility

As part of a larger transit project, ESI recently evaluated travel times to job centers in New York City from all transit…

Present Value·Infrastructure Economics

The City of Philadelphia Joins SEPTA Key Advantage: What That Means For City Employees

Earlier this month, the City of Philadelphia officially became the newest participating member of the SEPTA Key Advantage program through an appropriation in the…

Present Value·Anchor Institution Impact

A Clash of Tradition and Economics: How Changing Media Markets Shape the College Football Landscape

2023 has been marked by a whirlwind of conference changes among the NCAA's "Power 5" (P5) athletic conferences. These include the Atlantic…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

Is the Commonwealth Positioning Itself to Move up the Ladder of Economic Competitiveness?

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania recently announced improvements to a key economic development program, the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). Among other efficiencies,…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

Lessons from Philadelphia’s Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park

Philadelphia has a deep and rich food tradition. Home to internationally recognized restaurants (see Visit Philadelphia’s list of Philadelphia’s James Beard Foundation’s…

Present Value·Economic Development and Sector Strategy

Labor Day Light Reads 2023

As the summer draws to a close, many will be unwinding with trips to their favorite attractions, enjoying quality time with family…

Present Value

The Exit Interview: Final Thoughts from our Summer 2023 Interns

As the summer winds down, ESI must say goodbye to our skilled and diligent Summer interns. Before they depart, whether back to…

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