May News + Updates

May 2021

News + Updates

ESI will be releasing content all month long to highlight our work on the many ways that infrastructure powers our economy, with a focus on the way that infrastructure drives innovation. Be on the look out for:

A dialogue on smart city innovation infrastructure and the increasing international pressures to compete with emerging areas in China and elsewhere
A discussion with our experts on our new report in partnership with Team Pennsylvania on the impact of Agriculture in Pennsylvania, highlighting the workforce, technology and broadband elements crucial to the future of this evolving industry
A review of how agencies, governments and organizations can prepare now for opportunities that are likely to present themselves through the emerging federal infrastructure bill

Highlights

Capital Trails Network Report

ESI was commissioned by the Capital Trails Coalition to evaluate the economic, social and environmental impacts of the Capital Trails Network across the Washington, DC metropolitan region. ESI examined the current, existing network as well as the entire network upon completion of proposed trails.

Learn more.

The Economic Impact of Agriculture in Pennsylvania 2021

ESI provided an update of the 2018 economic impact report of Pennsylvania’s farming sector for Team Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, offering insights on trends, and recommendations. To do so, we took a close look at the 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Bill, analyzed national trends in the agricultural industry, and evaluated the impacts of broader events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the continued impacts due to climate change, to present the current state of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry. Learn more.

RAISE GRANT

The USDOT is accepting applicants for the FY 2021 round of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program (formerly BUILD and TIGER) to fund transportation projects of national and regional significance to help boost employment. ESI can help with your application for this highly competitive program. Learn More.

Upcoming Events and Sponsorships

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Grounds for Sculpture

Staff and Senior Advisor Updates

Jeremy Sunkett was a shark at Urban Land Institute's shark tank on April 29th.

In an interview that aired on WHYY, Stephen Mullin explained his support for the implementation of a partial land value tax proposal.

Bernard M. Markstein produced a report for the month of March in which he estimated the state construction unemployment rates for the Associated Builders and Contractors. His report was published here. He also conducted a GLG webinar on U.S. Residential Construction Update & Outlook.

Gina Lavery will be moderating a panel with the Chamber to discuss Philadelphia’s FY22 budget & five-year plan on May 12. Register here. She also serves as the board president of Lambda Alpha Philadelphia, an organization that ESI proudly sponsors annually.

Joyce Lee will speak at a conference in Hong Kong addressing green museums and the Paris Agreement in advance of COP 26. Read more.

Blane F. Stoddart's firm BFW has revamped and are relaunching their cost estimating department, as they continue to grow at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Richard Bickel will be participating (virtually) in the American Planning Association annual planning conference from May 5 to 7.

A warm welcome to Joyce Liu for becoming a full-time Analyst at ESI!

News from the Lab

Upcoming Webinar - Wealth and Asset Management 4.0: How digital, social, and economic shifts will transform the industry

Please join ESI ThoughtLab, FinTech B2B Marketing, and advisory board members of the Wealth and Asset Management 4.0 research study for an interactive discussion examining the mega trends disrupting the wealth and asset management industry.

The ongoing pandemic has rapidly accelerated digital, social, and economic shifts transforming the wealth industry. These developments have pushed the fast-forward button on digital transformation, giving rise to the sector's next phase: Wealth Management 4.0.

Panelists include:

Lou Celi, ESI ThoughtLab
Andrew D'Anna, Charles Schwab & Co.
Gauthier Vincent, Deloitte
Ronen Assia, eToro

May 27, 2021 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET

Click here to register.

U.S. - China Research

The Impact of the U.S. Proposal on Global Minimum Tax Rate

If tariff rise imposed by Donald Trump in the trade war can be deemed as the beginning of "anti-globalization," the Biden administration's proposal for the minimum global tax rate could very well promote such "anti-globalization" to further affect corporate investment and development. These changes mean that the global trade and investment order under the WTO framework in the past will further collapse and disintegrate. Read the article.

Present Value

Permitting for New Construction Strong in Kensington and Point Breeze During the Pandemic

by Jing Liu

Associate Director Jing Liu, analyses the Philadelphia Housing Index (PHI) in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Liu evaluates permits issued for new residential and commercial construction in Philadelphia neighborhoods over the past year to see how the market has fared.

Cybersecurity a Smart City Imperative.

by Laura Garcell Nimylowycz

Editorial Assistant Laura Garcell Nimylowycz examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an expansion in smart city programs and why cities are adopting new cybersecurity trends.

Think Tanks in a Post-COVID Era.

by Jing Liu and Rebecca DeJoseph

Jing Liu and Rebecca DeJoseph discuss the importance of independent think tanks for global advancement with our China-based partner, ANBOUND. ESI and ANBOUND answer questions related to the future of think tanks in a post-pandemic era.

Stumped? Understanding Lumber Prices.

by Bernard M. Markstein

Senior Advisor Bernard M. Markstein analyzes the erratic change in lumber prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has impacted the construction industry.

Client Spotlight

Our client Reading Terminal Market was voted the best public market in America in the 10 Best Readers Choice competition from USAToday. Congratulations to all the merchants, staff, and vendors! Read more.

Congratulations to Hilco Global for their work with the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery for being recognized as one of the best real estate deals of 2020 via Philadelphia Business Journal!