The Reimagining of FDR Park: The Economic Impact and Return on Environmental Resiliency

In 2022, Fairmount Park Conservatory commissioned ESI to conduct and economic impact analysis on FDR Park. FDR Park is a great asset for all Philadelphians. Using IMPLAN's input-output model, our team was able to calculate the economic and fiscal impact of the park today, as well as during and after redevelopment. 

Read more to learn about the environmental, health, and recreation benefits the park provides. 

Yesterday, Vice President Frank Robinson spoke on a panel at the ULI Philadelphia Real Estate Forecast 2024. Planning for a Competitive Future: Housing, Infrastructure, and Regional Solutions examined how cities are evolving with decreased revenue from office vacancies.



Learn more about the event here.

ESI will once again sponsor the Annual State of North Broad as an Underwriting Sponsor! The North Broad Renaissance will hold their annual Thank-A-Thon to thank sponsors and supporters.

Principal Steve Mullin spoke at the PICA Fall Conference this month which focused on the costs of climate change and how the City of Philadelphia can prepare. His presentation examined how climate change impacts local governments.

Senior Advisor Maud Lyon was appointed the Interim President of the Belle Isle Conservancy, the non-profit advocacy and support organizations for Belle Isle, the 965-acre island park in Detroit, Michigan. 

Senior Advisor Steve Tang's book, "A Test for Our Time: Crisis Leadership in the Next Normal," debuted in March and reached "#1 New Release" status on Amazon in Public Health, Organizational Behavior, and Biographies of Scientists. In early 2024, he will begin the second part of his book and keynote speaking tour. Steve was also elected to the Board of Trustees for Lehigh University.

Congratulations to Senior Advisor Geoffrey Roche who was recruited to Siemens Healthineers to lead the company's workforce development in North America!

Joyce Lee, Senior Advisor and of the Philadelphia Environmental Justice Commission served on the working group jury to select the inaugural group of grantees of the Environmental Justice Grant.

Senior Advisor Bernie Markstein produced a report on estimates of September state construction unemployment rates for the Associated Builders and Contractors. He will also present his economic outlook at the annual meeting of the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute in Palm Springs on November 17.

Senior Advisor Sylvie Gallier Howard and her team at Equitable Cities Consulting partnered with Connect the Dots to gauge demand for a direct flight between Philadelphia and Mexico for the PHL Airport and the Mexican Consulate. Fill out the survey by December 8 to make your voice heard!

ESI congratulates Senior Advisor Michael Golden on being named to the National ESOP Committee of The Private Directors Association, a national organization dedicated to promoting strong Boards of Directors in private companies.

Senior Advisor Yvette Nunez was promoted to Mastery Schools' first Chief of Staff after joining as Chief of External Affairs in January. With this promotion, her work in education continues further.

On October 18 and 19, an ESI cohort attended the Spatial Data Science Conference in New York City. The event consisted of 11 different workshops which focused around learning new techniques and applications of spatial data science. Some of our team commented on how the event was and what they found interesting.

Read more here.



Moving Cities: Montreal

by Lechuan Huang

Montreal's public transit system is the third largest in North America, and recently debuted a new light rail line: the REM. Phase 1 of the REM is now in service and additional phases will open over the next few years. Analyst Lechuan Huang examines influences and funding mechanisms for the system and the new line. 

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Why Leadership Programs Like GPLEX are Good for Economic and Civic Vitality

by Frank Robinson

GPLEX gathers around 200 leaders from the Philadelphia area every year to connect and educate them, and strengthen our region’s communities and economic vibrancy. Vice President Frank Robinson, who attended the conference in New Orleans this year, speaks about his experience and the benefits of such events. 

Read more