Analysis for decisions that matter
A boutique consultancy helping cities, institutions, and businesses translate complex questions into clear, defensible decisions, grounded in rigorous economics and shaped by deep policy experience.
By the numbers
Robust quantitative analysis. Practical expert insight. Clear, actionable findings.
ESI sits at the intersection of economics, policy, and planning, which makes our thought process interdisciplinary and our recommendations grounded. We work collaboratively with clients, drawing in experience across industries and regions.
Analysis
Defensible data and methodology that withstand scrutiny, from peer review to public hearings.
Policy
Decades of work alongside cities, agencies, and institutions on the choices that shape places.
Strategy
Findings translated into the next move: bond offerings, board votes, capital plans, legislation.
Five practice areas
Anchor Institution Impact
How universities, hospitals, and other anchors create economic value beyond their walls. Explore
Economic Development and Sector Strategy
Economic development strategy and industry analysis that grows local and regional economies. Explore
Infrastructure Economics
Benefit cost analysis for transportation projects, TOD market analysis, property value analytics. Explore
Public Policy and Fiscal Analysis
Policy analysis related to fiscal impact, public investment and incentives, and housing economics. Explore
Real Estate and Land Use Planning
Market and feasibility studies, highest-and-best-use, and the economics of land use and development. ExploreOur work
Real Estate and Land Use Planning Citywide Affordable Housing Market Study, Baltimore
City of Baltimore Read case study
Anchor Institution Impact Economic Engine & Community Catalyst
University of Rochester Read case study
Public Policy and Fiscal Analysis Benefits Cliff & Graduated Assistance Analysis
State of New Hampshire Read case studyOur case studies show how economic analysis translates into the decisions our clients have to make. View all case studies →
Six core services
Benefit-Cost Analysis
Quantify whether a project or policy generates positive economic and social returns.
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Economic and Community Planning
Translate economic evidence into actionable plans for places and people.
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Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis
Measure the activity, jobs, and tax revenue an institution or project generates.
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Market and Feasibility Studies
Assess whether a project or program concept is supported by economic conditions.
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Policy Assessment
Analyze potential or realized impacts to inform policy development and design.
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Litigation Support
Provide reports and expert testimony on contested economic questions within the legal process.
Learn moreTrusted by institutions with consequential decisions to make
Across 35+ states, our clients include governments, institutions, and private sector organizations navigating capital plans, public financing decisions, policy changes, economic development strategy, and development approvals.
- AARP
- Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
- Amtrak
- Brandywine Realty Trust
- Carnegie Mellon University
- City of Montgomery, Alabama
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
- Fairmount Properties
- Indiana Economic Development Corporation
- Maryland National Parks and Planning Commission
- Montana Department of Commerce
- NJEDA
- NJ TRANSIT
- NYC EDC
- Pew Charitable Trusts
- Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation
- SEPTA
- Tulane University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Notre Dame