ESI is Pleased to Promote Brian Licari and Yihan Zhang | |
Brian has been promoted to Vice President. He joined ESI in 2023 as a director. Brian has a background in analyzing, developing, and implementing economic development and community revitalization strategies ranging in scale from the grassroots neighborhood level to regional business development efforts. Congratulations Brian! | |
Yihan has been promoted to Senior Analyst. She joined ESI in 2023 as an analyst with an interest in understanding the public and private forces behind urban development. Yihan also earned her Master's in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023. Congratulations Yihan! | |
Open positions include senior analyst and analyst. To apply, email a cover letter and resume, with the job title you are seeking in the subject line to: employment@econsultsolutions.com. | |
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We honor the legacy of those who have fought for freedom and those who continue to fight for a more just and equitable society. ESI is committed to making a difference in our work. In our Equity and Inclusion practice area, we marshal our analytical expertise and real-world experience to add quantitative substance and strategic nuance to diversity analyses in a wide range of sectors.
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Doom Loop or Boom Loop: Work from Home and the Challenges Facing America's Big Cities | |
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Richard Voith, David Stanek, and Hyojin Lee coauthored, "Doom Loop or Boom Loop: Work from Home and the Challenges Facing America’s Big Cities," as part of the Volcker Alliance's series on state and local budgeting in the COVID era. The paper addresses the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which spurred a massive shift to remote work, leading to potential "Doom Loop" scenarios characterized by vacant offices, diminished business districts, and fiscal challenges. However, the paper also discusses the potential for a "Boom Loop," where cities can thrive through effective policies that harness the benefits of remote work. Read it here.
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City Hall Connectors: Commerce Director Alba Martinez
ESI is proud to sponsor City Hall Connectors: Commerce Director Alba Martinez, presented by The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. The event will take place June 25, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM and will feature the newly appointed Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia, Alba Martinez. Martinez will share her top priorities as she leads the Department of Commerce in carrying out Mayor Parker's vision to make our city a more dynamic destination with access to economic opportunity for all. Learn how the department is collaborating with the private sector to create equitable wealth-building opportunities that grow quality jobs, build capacity in underserved communities, and make it easier to operate a successful business in Philadelphia.
RSVP here.
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Staff and Senior Advisor Updates | |
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Congratulations to Yihan Zhang, who passed the AICP (American Institute of Certified Planning) Certification Exam! She is now an AICP certified planner.
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Gina Lavery helped organize the ULI Philadelphia Member Breakfast Series for the June 2023 Awards for Excellence, designed to recognize superior development efforts in the private, public,
and nonprofit sectors.
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Senior Advisor Bernie Markstein produced a report on the March state construction unemployment rates for the Associated Builders and Contractors.
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Geoffery Roche spoke in the panel "If It's Happening in the World, It's Happening at Work: The Intersection of Workplace Culture and Social Impact" in May at the first inaugural Culture Impact Lab.
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Senior Advisor Bernadine Hawes has been reappointed as Chair of the National Advisory Board for NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Manufacturing Extension Partnership, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. | |
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Analyst Intern Samantha Gedeon commemorated her fellow graduates at Drexel Lebow Business School as the 2024 Commencement Student Speaker. Watch her speech here. | |
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Now Available
Climate Resilience Index
A Comparative Analysis for Measuring Progress
ESI Center for the Future of Cities recently released its Climate Resilience Index, a systematic, standardized methodology for assessing a city's preparedness to withstand and adaptive capacity to recover from climate-related disasters.
One of the nine cities analyzed, Baltimore, is combating the urban heat island effect through smart surface initiatives like reflective materials and increased tree cover, especially in underserved neighborhoods. See how they're promoting environmental equity in the ESI Climate Resilience Index.
Read it here.
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The Era of AI and the Urgent Need for the Adjustment of China's Labor Market
AI's rapid advancement in China promises increased productivity and new opportunities, but also poses significant challenges to the job market with up to 77% of jobs potentially at risk of automation. To capitalize on AI's benefits while mitigating its disruptive effects, China must prioritize workforce skill development and establish robust social safety nets, ensuring a smoother transition in this technological revolution.
Read more here.
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The State of High-Speed Intercity Rail
By Lechuan Huang
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Analyst Lechuan Huang's newest analysis explores the transformative potential of high-speed rail to redefine commuting patterns and reshape urban ecosystems. By significantly reducing travel times, high-speed rail presents an opportunity to facilitate efficient commuting and positive economic impact.
Read more here.
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The Importance of Higher Education and Workforce Development to a Growing Economy
By Carol de Fries
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Senior Advisor Carol de Fries investigates the critical relationship between higher education, workforce development, and the prosperity of growing urban economies Supported by more than 15 years of experience in government, education, and leadership. She highlights how community colleges play an essential role in bolstering the workforce and driving economic development.
Read more here.
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Light Reads: Memorial Day 2024 By Mike Daly | |
The ESI team compiled a set of local activities and articles related to urban issues.
Read more here.
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Rutgers-Camden has started a $60 million project repurposing 14 vacant buildings in an upgrade that will improve integration between the university and the city of Camden.
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The City of Philadelphia launched One Philly, a United Citywide Cleaning and Greening program, on June 3. The program entails a comprehensive cleaning strategy in each residential block in the city and includes services such as illegal dumping remediation and graffiti removal.
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New York New Jersey Port Authority airports are experiencing a surge in passenger volume, marking a record pace for the first four months of the year ever. This parallels the Port Authority's continuous 5 year streak of year-over-year growth.
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The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN) released an updated beginner's guide to sustainable business, a practical resource that helps local businesses improve their social and environmental impacts.
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As of June 24, Exelon has invested $10 million in nine locally owned businesses throughout Baltimore, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. Exelon’s Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Chief External Affairs Officer Colette Honorable said, "We’re excited about the nine innovative companies that have received funding so far and look forward to partnering with more businesses that are poised to create a positive ripple effect with the right resources, including creating more jobs and reinvesting in their neighborhoods."
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