Econsult Solutions

05/23/2026

Memorial Day Weekend brings communities together across the United States to celebrate the spirit of service and the enduring ideals of our nation. While it signals the start of summer for many, it also provides an opportunity to pause and recognize those whose commitment to the country helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today.

05/15/2026

ESI congratulates Lee Huang on a milestone achievement! Thank you for all you have done for the firm over the past two decades.

05/13/2026

Ten years ago, the Philadelphia Energy Authority set out to do something big: invest $1 billion and create 10,000 jobs to make Philadelphia's homes, schools, and businesses more energy efficient. Today, we can share that both goals were surpassed.

The final numbers: $1.3 billion invested across the city, 11,415 jobs created right here in Philadelphia, and $1.4 billion in net energy cost savings that go directly back to homeowners, businesses, and the City budget.

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) needed a comprehensive retrospective evaluation of its signature ten-year Philadelphia Energy Campaign as the initiative reached completion. Launched in 2016 in partnership with Philadelphia City Council, the Campaign set ambitious headline targets of mobilizi...

05/12/2026

USDOT Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant applications are due June 22. The program provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.

Determining the costs, benefits, and positive impacts of large infrastructure projects requires rigorous data-driven analyses. Contact ESI today and learn how we can help produce a winning application.

https://bit.ly/3PDPSzM

04/22/2026

The cities we design today shape the world future generations inherit tomorrow. On Earth Day, we're reminded why equitable, resilient urban planning matters, and why the work of building better communities is always worth doing.

04/14/2026

ESI congratulates Gina Lavery on being named a 2026 Philadelphia Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree!

For nearly a decade at the firm, she’s focused her work where economic development, real estate, urban planning overlap—especially when the key questions are “what’s the impact, what’s feasible, and what should we do next?”

This recognition is a testament to Gina's exceptional leadership and the lasting impact she has made at both the firm and across the Greater Philadelphia region.

The annual program recognizes young Philadelphia professionals helping shape the city's future.

04/13/2026

Our latest Present Value blog post explores how outdoor recreation, open space, and walkable communities are becoming central to economic strategy. From supporting small businesses to attracting talent, these investments are delivering real returns.

Take a closer look at how the outdoor economy is evolving and what it means for the future.

At ESI, some of our recent work has focused on quantifying the economic and fiscal value of open space, trails, and outdoor amenities. From return-on-environment analyses to trail impact studies, we are increasingly seeing outdoor recreation move from a “nice to have” amenity to a central pillar...

04/05/2026

New research from AARP developed with support from Econsult Solutions sheds light on the growing issue of predatory housing practices tied to real estate wholesaling.

The findings emphasize the need for stronger safeguards, including clearer disclosures, licensing requirements, and the ability for homeowners to cancel contracts before closing. These policies can help ensure transparency, protect household wealth, and support more stable communities.

Shady house flippers use high-pressure tactics and offers of fast cash to make a profit on your property

03/23/2026

Econsult Solutions helped Johns Hopkins to quantify the institution’s economic footprint across Baltimore and the regions where it operates. ESI translated Johns Hopkins’ direct activity including operations, research spending, capital investments, and visitor activity into impacts on employment, earnings, and economic output.

The analysis shows how this activity moves through supply chains and local businesses. Johns Hopkins averages more than $1 billion in annual capital investment, supporting over 4,500 construction industry jobs in Baltimore each year. Hospital patients and visitors generate $582 million in spending in Baltimore and an additional $191 million across Maryland through lodging, food, retail, and transportation.

Read the report:

In 2025, ESI completed a comprehensive economic impact study for Johns Hopkins University, Health system, and affiliated research institutions, which comprise one of the nation’s largest and most complex higher education and healthcare enterprises. Founded as the first research university in the U...

03/19/2026

Lead analyst Elizabeth supports economic analysis and advisory work at ESI, focusing on transportation, housing, and economic development.

She contributes to studies that evaluate the impact of transit, trails, parks, and residential development. Her work helps clients understand economic outcomes and make informed planning and investment decisions. Learn more about Elizabeth and her work at ESI: https://bit.ly/4uEvsqc