Reviving the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic

ESI conducted an economic and fiscal impact study focused on reviving the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (The Manayunk Bike Race) and found that a return of the event in 2025 would generate nearly $9 million in economic impact. The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported on the results of this study.

ESI Staff to Speak at ULI Technical Assistance Panels

ESI staff are proud to participate in two ULI Technical Assistance Panels in March, which are two-day sessions that provide nonprofits and public agencies with strategic guidance from industry professionals. ESI Director Steve Madsen participated in the first panel for Families Forward Philadelphia, while Maria Machin will serve on the panel for the Drueding Center. 

Congratulations to Vice President Frank Robinson who was recently named to City and State PA's list of 2024 Black Trailblazers in Pennsylvania!

Senior Advisor Sylvie Gallier Howard along with her colleagues are proud to announce C40 Cities's guide authored by Equitable Cities Consulting on how cities can grow a more inclusive workforce in building retrofit market. 

Richard Voith's research on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and its positive effects on local property values has been cited in the 2024 Economic Report of the President. Issued by the Biden-Harris Administration, the report highlights economic evidence and data on many of today's most significant issues in domestic and international economic policy.

Blane F. Stoddart, a Senior Advsior at ESI, had his op-ed centered on diversity, equity and inclusion published in the Philadelphia Business Journal!

Senior Advisor Geoffrey Roche recently spoke at different engagements which included HIMSS 24 and The Person in Front of You's 2024 Gold Humanism Summit. Additionally, he is now a board member for the United Way of North Carolina.

Senior Advisor John J. Jablowski, Jr., MPA is the recipient of the Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in recognition for his experience in managing local governments including his current service as President of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSTAC) and its launch of a new web presence.

Senior Advisor Joyce S. Lee has been invited to be a judge for the International RE100 Leadership Award program again! 

The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd elected Senior Advisor Bill Krebs to its board. He will serve on the Zoning and Bala Ave Committees, focusing on traffic safety and quality of life issues, as well as liaison to City Avenue Special Services District.

A Look at 15-Minute Cities

15-minute cities aim to reduce environmental issues faced in metropolitan areas. The reduction of air pollution, increase in walkable spaces, and access to fresh and healthy foods for marginalized communities are all goals that 15-minute cities look to achieve.

Read more here.

Establishing a Best Path Forward Toward Private University-Community Relations

by Cassandra Brown

Establishing a Best Path Forward Toward Private University-Community Relations: PILOTs (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) are usually paid by private universities. Director Cassandra Brown examines what we can learn from PILOTs and community engagement as she highlights misconceptions of PILOTs and benefits of PILOTs.

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The Forever Changing City of Philadelphia

by Maggie Jiang

Philadelphia is a city that is constantly changing. With a focus on West Philadelphia, the difference of demographics from the period of 2000 to Present Day is examined with the inclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the neighborhood continues to recover. 

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How Can Location Intelligence Help Identify Affordable Housing Development Opportunities?

by Yihan Zhang

The use of location intelligence gives access to abundant and diverse spatial data. With this tool, areas in need of affordable housing become more easily identifiable because of the data that is available.

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The City Ave District celebrated their 25th Anniversary and unveiled a new logo!

Comcast boosted internet speeds for their customers starting from March 6. Both new and existing customers can take advantage of these speed increases.