Econsult Solutions

Over $2 billion is now available through the Federal Railroad Administration's CRISI grant program, funding projects that make intercity passenger and freight rail safer, more efficient, and more reliable.

Econsult Solutions supports applicants with full package preparation, benefit-cost analyses, and independent review before submission.

Eligible projects include safety technology, passenger rail expansion, grade crossing improvements, multimodal connections, workforce training, and more.

Thinking about applying? Get in touch with our team.

CRISI Applications are due June 22, 2026 - Econsult Solutions, Inc. The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity of over $2 billion in grant funding through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program. The program provides funding for projects that improve t...

In the early '90s, Philadelphia faced population loss, fiscal crisis, and a grim outlook. Fast forward to 2026, and the city is ready to welcome the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and celebrate America's 250th.

In our newest Present Value post, Ethan Conner-Ross traces how Philly's civic leaders bet big on tourism as a driver of economic development, building the foundation that got us to this moment.

https://bit.ly/4xgozNa

Help us welcome Jonathan Nerenberg to the ESI team! 🎉

Jonathan joins us as an analyst supporting real estate market analysis, economic development, public policy, and urban planning engagements. He has a talent for turning complex data into clear analysis that clients can actually use, and a deep appreciation for the neighborhood-level context that shapes how cities grow and change.

We're thrilled to have him on board. Welcome, Jonathan!

Jonathan Nerenberg - Econsult Solutions, Inc. Jonathan Nerenberg is an analyst at ESI, where he supports real estate market analysis, economic development, public policy, and urban planning engagements for clients ranging from private developers to NGOs and local government agencies. Jonathan’s work centers on translating complex datasets int...

Memorial Day Weekend brings communities together across the United States to celebrate the spirit of service and the enduring ideals of our nation. While it signals the start of summer for many, it also provides an opportunity to pause and recognize those whose commitment to the country helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today.

ESI congratulates Lee Huang on a milestone achievement! Thank you for all you have done for the firm over the past two decades.

Ten years ago, the Philadelphia Energy Authority set out to do something big: invest $1 billion and create 10,000 jobs to make Philadelphia's homes, schools, and businesses more energy efficient. Today, we can share that both goals were surpassed.

The final numbers: $1.3 billion invested across the city, 11,415 jobs created right here in Philadelphia, and $1.4 billion in net energy cost savings that go directly back to homeowners, businesses, and the City budget.

The Economic, Community, and Environmental Benefits of PEA's 10-Year Capital and Programmatic Investment - Econsult Solutions, Inc. The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) needed a comprehensive retrospective evaluation of its signature ten-year Philadelphia Energy Campaign as the initiative reached completion. Launched in 2016 in partnership with Philadelphia City Council, the Campaign set ambitious headline targets of mobilizi...

USDOT Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant applications are due June 22. The program provides funding for projects that improve the safety, efficiency, and reliability of intercity passenger and freight rail.

Determining the costs, benefits, and positive impacts of large infrastructure projects requires rigorous data-driven analyses. Contact ESI today and learn how we can help produce a winning application.

https://bit.ly/3PDPSzM

The cities we design today shape the world future generations inherit tomorrow. On Earth Day, we're reminded why equitable, resilient urban planning matters, and why the work of building better communities is always worth doing.

ESI congratulates Gina Lavery on being named a 2026 Philadelphia Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree!

For nearly a decade at the firm, she’s focused her work where economic development, real estate, urban planning overlap—especially when the key questions are “what’s the impact, what’s feasible, and what should we do next?”

This recognition is a testament to Gina's exceptional leadership and the lasting impact she has made at both the firm and across the Greater Philadelphia region.

2026 Philadelphia 40 Under 40 The annual program recognizes young Philadelphia professionals helping shape the city's future.

Our latest Present Value blog post explores how outdoor recreation, open space, and walkable communities are becoming central to economic strategy. From supporting small businesses to attracting talent, these investments are delivering real returns.

Take a closer look at how the outdoor economy is evolving and what it means for the future.

Outdoor Recreation, Economic Value, and Quality of Place: A Conversation with Silas Chamberlin - Econsult Solutions, Inc. At ESI, some of our recent work has focused on quantifying the economic and fiscal value of open space, trails, and outdoor amenities. From return-on-environment analyses to trail impact studies, we are increasingly seeing outdoor recreation move from a “nice to have” amenity to a central pillar...