May 2022
News + Updates
Highlights
ESI Highlights Economic Development all Month Long
Economic Development sits at the intersection of government, business, and institution, as community leaders manage revitalization and growth. ESI brings a depth of knowledge from a breadth of experience and a data-driven toolbox that enables our clients to plan and implement successful programs, policies, and projects.

Learn more about our Economic Develoment practice today.
ESI's Evaluation of Philadelphia's 'Taking Care of Business' Program Finds Measurable Benefits Across the City
The City of Philadelphia Taking Care of Business program evaluation was recently completed under the leadership of Frank Robinson who directed ESI's efforts to survey, analyze, map, and report on the progress of this important initiative. Philadelphia Taking Care of Business is achieving training and job placement for formerly incarcerated Philadelphians and aiding neighborhood business districts in achieving cleaner shopping corridors -- a win for all with good spillover affects!
The Broker's Open House and Panel Discussion on Current Trends and Future of the Office Market Event, held at The Battery
The Broker’s Open House and Panel Discussion on Current Trends and Future of the Office Market will be held at The Battery, in conjunction with Lubert Adler and Cornell Real Estate Council. The event will be take place on May 19, starting at 4pm. ESI Principals Stephen P. Mullin and Gina Lavery will be speakers at this event.
Return on Environment: The Economic Impact of Protected Open Space
ESI quantified the economic impacts of open space and the benefits realized through environmental protection for Mercer County, New Jersey.

Mercer County's emphasis on land preservation began over 30 years ago, resulting in a multitude of preserved parks and open spaces that reflect the diversity of the County's natural features. Protected open space provides substantial economic, environmental, and health benefits to surrounding communities, but these benefits are often overlooked or undervalued in policy debates and investment decisions.

Click here for the full report.
ESI Eats!
ESI has offered staff a monthly allowance to dine out in Center City Philadelphia during the workday. As a firm, we benefit from the setting in which we are located, the shopping options and public amenities, as well as street life that we can access here. In turn, we benefit the setting by being physically present, for it's our eyes and ears and dollars that help make the city a more vibrant location to live and work.

More to follow on this initiative in the coming weeks.
Staff and Senior Advisor Updates
Senior Advisor Fred Dedrick has been appointed to the City Controller’s Community Council to review the 2022-23 Budget for the Philadelphia Police Department.
Senior Advisor Maud Lyon is working with the Michigan History Center on a community planning process to develop an interpretive plan for the Ulysses S. Grant House, where he lived early in his Army career while posted in Detroit.
Senior Advisor Joyce Lee is joining the judging panel for RE100 International Leadership Awards. Winners are driving the global transition to 100% renewable electricity and will be announced at Climate Week NYC.

Catherine Timko, Principal of The Riddle Company & ESI Senior Advisor will be attending the ICSC Annual Convention May 22-24 in Las Vegas. Catherine provides retail attraction strategies for cities and will be working with a team of public/private partners from DC at the this year’s show. If anyone is interested in meeting at the show contact her today.
Senior Advisor David Boonin was elected to the Swarthmore Borough Council, where he chairs the Finance Committee and the Pension Board, he also sits on the Environment and General Government Committees. His term runs until early January 2024.
On April 15th, 2022, Principal Richard Voith gave a talk regarding the Economics of Affordable Housing at the University of Miami. Dr. Voith is also a proposed keynote speaker for an event held by the Philadelphia Business Journal regarding regional infrastructure spending, which will take place June 8th.
In April, Senior Advisor RoseAnn Rosenthal was keynote speaker and recipient of the “Self-Made and Making Others” award as part of Temple University’s 24th annual Be Your Own Boss Bowl® competition. This was to acknowledge her role in support of entrepreneurs over the years.
Senior Advisor Bernard Markstein produced the following report on estimates of March state construction unemployment rates for the Associated Builders and Contractors. Coverage of the report is further mentioned here.
Senior Advisor Angela Dowd-Burton will receive the 2022 Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award presented by the Drexel University Black Alumni Council during the Drexel University Annual Alumni Weekend Celebration.

This Award is presented to an Alumnus for their achievements, professional growth and success while at or since graduating from Drexel University. Mentoring students, community and civic involvement, and support of DUBAC and Drexel programs are just a few of the factors considered during the award selection process.
Update from the Center

The conversation surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) and EV infrastructure has continued to gain momentum in light of Congress recently passing the 1.7 trillion-dollar infrastructure bill, with nearly 7.5 billion of it allocated towards building out America’s EV charging network. Now more than ever, people are looking at alternatives to fossil fuels that will reduce carbon emissions. ESI Center for the Future of Cities is diving into this issue and examining what it means for cities large and small. 

To learn more and get involved, contact Steve Wray, wray@econsultsolutions.com.
U.S. - China Research
China's Current Macroeconomic Situation Calls for New Policy Support

China's economy is growing at a stable rate, yet is affected by the current geopolitical affairs and domestic pandemic prevention. New policy support is necessary to continue to promote economic growth and protect against risks.

Present Value
ESI Intern Elizabeth Dobbins takes a close look at local journalism, its important link to economic health, and the need for more equity and inclusion in the newsroom.

ESI Intern Salvatore Gullotta interviewed the 2022 interns to get to know them better, their thoughts on ESI, and how working with the firm will help nurture their professional goals.

ESI Principal Richard Voith provides expert insights into how Philadelphia's transit sector is moving beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. He examines the challenges that are being faced, the transition from a pre-pandemic to a post-pandemic world, and the innovations and initiatives that will help the city to move forward into the future.

ESI Intern Kendra Hills examines the benefits and drawbacks of the current electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and specifically how prioritizing equity would be advantageous for all.

Client Spotlight
The Woodmere Art Museum has received a $10 million gift from the Maguire Foundation which will allow for a transformative renovation and display of its full collection for the first time!
The Enterprise Center plans to launch a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) that will provide growth equity capital to local minority- and women-owned businesses in the Philadelphia region.
Congratulations to the following recipients of 2021 RACP funding:

  • Living Branches/Souderton Mennonite Homes

  • Philadelphia Technician Training Institute

ESI provides assistance to clients seeing RACP funds and is thrilled to have supported these organizations in securing funding.
North Broad Renaissance recently organized a group of volunteers to help plant flowers as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the North Broad Corridor
Ocean City, NJ officials announce news of new jitney in the works for the upcoming summer season. "Providing safe and reliable transportation during the busy summer season is one of our greatest needs, and I'm looking forward to offering this service to our residents and guests," (Mayor Jay Gillian).
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