Thought Leadership

The Economic, Environmental and Public Health Impacts of the Trans Canada Trail

October 5, 2023 / Comments Off on The Economic, Environmental and Public Health Impacts of the Trans Canada Trail

The Trans Canada Trail is a vast network of recreational trails that spans 28,000 kilometers across Canada. ESI’s assessment of the Trans Canada Trail outlines the economic and environmental benefits of the network and emphasizes its impact on the local surrounding communities who have much to gain from use of the trails. Overall, the network […]

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

September 29, 2023 / Comments Off on 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 city’s FY 2024 budget. The city’s participation is a win for city employees and SEPTA. At a time where a challenge such as filling vacant spots exists, the Key Advantage program seeks to […]

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

September 15, 2023 / Comments Off on 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, the Commonwealth has streamlined the application process by replacing the 22-tab Application & Business Plan with a more efficient, 10-section fillable Project Management Proposal post-award application process. Ultimately, the changes will provide a […]

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Labor Day Light Reads 2023

September 1, 2023 / Comments Off on 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 and friends, and more. For our Present Value post this week, we have created a list of events and interesting reads to help make the most of the long weekend. But first, let’s […]

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Building Climate Resilience Index: An Update on our Methodology

August 18, 2023 / Comments Off on Building Climate Resilience Index: An Update on our Methodology

Continuing our research  in developing a climate resilience index, we have further refined our methodology to gauge nine cities on their sustainability and progress in adopting eco-friendly practices. This index is comprised of 30 metrics across four categories (Environment, Economy, Infrastructure, and Social) and pulls from a wide range of data to evaluate each city’s performance. […]

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Atlanta’s Quest for Homeownership: The Alarming Affordable Housing Crisis

August 11, 2023 / Comments Off on Atlanta’s Quest for Homeownership: The Alarming Affordable Housing Crisis

Throughout American history, homeownership has been cherished as a symbol of wealth, community, and achievement. Additionally, affordable rental units are crucial as they provide stable housing and alleviate financial burden. However, today, the goal of owning a home and even finding affordable housing options is becoming increasingly elusive for millions nationwide. An alarming shortage of homes […]

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