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Civic Economics

Current Engagements

Civic Economics is currently engaged in a number of interesting projects around the nation:

In New Orleans, the firm has been retained by the Urban Conservancy to conduct a study of the economic and fiscal benefits provided by the dynamic businesses of the Magazine Street commercial corridor.

In Milwaukee, the firm is working with Conservation Design Forum on a plan for the Near North Side, a historic and diverse industrial and residential district.

In Macon, Georgia, the firm is providing economic and commercial analysis and strategies as part of a comprehensive plan for the College Hill section of the city.  Interface Studio of Philadelphia is leading the planning effort.

In St. Albans, Vermont, the firm has been retained by the Vermont Natural Resources Council to analyze the economic and fiscal impact of a proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter.  The study will be submitted into evidence before the Vermont Environmental Court, which will hear the case in spring of 2009.

The firm is also engaged in two projects in the dynamic, diverse city of El Paso, Texas.  In one, we have been retained to review the policy considerations surrounding city and county incentives for a proposed power center retail development.  In the other, we are providing pro bono guidance to the people of Sagrado Corazon parish in responding to city plans for significant neighborhood redevelopment projects.

Local Works!

GR IICivic Economics has recently completed its most comprehensive study to date of the economic benefits conferred on a local economy by local retail and service providers. 

Local Works! Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy analyzes market shares, local recirculation of dollars, and economic impact provided by local firms relative to their national competitors.  The results are stunning.

A 10% shift in the market share of local independents would produce:

  • Nearly $140 Million in new economic activity,
  • Over 1600 new jobs, and
  • Over $50 Million in new wages

Download the full study or the Executive Summary HERE

Procurement Study

Visit the Study SiteCivic Economics recently released a study of the economic impact of public procurement.  Building on previous work on retail economics, Procurement Matters: the Economic Impact of Local Suppliers addresses the important matter of purchasing goods and services for by large institutional, public, and business entities.

Looking specifically at office products, the study found that Tempe-based Wist Office Products produced more than three times the regional economic impact per dollar of purchases than did Office Max, which maintains a distribution center in the area.  Staples, which does not, circulates only a nominal portion of revenue in the state.

Gaming

Civic Economics recently completed an extended engagement for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission.  As part of a stable of consultants, and the only non-gaming firm participating in the process, Civic Economics analyzed the economic and competitive impact of 11 different proposals for gaming projects in four predetermined zones around the state.

Working closely with Probe Strategic Solutions of Las Vegas and Austin, we forecast economic activity associated with non-gaming amenities at each site, including a range of lodging, entertainment, dining, and recreational amenities.

Working closely with Wells Gaming of Reno and Cummings Associates of Boston, we forecast the net new economic activity associated with gaming at each site, providing a reality check rarely available to gaming regulators who typically rely on proponents submissions.

All of our reports are available for download HERE.

Community

Civic Economics is pleased to introduce you to the work of three friends of the firm.

Independent America

Three years ago, the documentary Independent America: The Two-Lane Search for Mom and Pop made a splash on the independent documentary scene and, incidentally, introduced Civic Economics to a wider audience. The film is in frequent rotation in the US on the Sundance Channel.

Shortly after the film was completed, Hurricane Katrina struck a city of fierce loyalty to all things local, New Orleans, and Dan Houston began lobbying filmmakers Hanson Hosein and Heather Hughes to feature the city and its struggling business community in a sequel.  Happily, that film has wrapped and Dan was able to join Hanson and crew in New Orleans on their first visit.

Civic Economics recently sponsored a private screening of the film in New Orleans, a benefit for our friends at the Urban Conservancy.


Indie Bound
Our friends at the American Booksellers Association recently introduced IndieBound, a nationwide campaign promoting independent retailers.  The program and its materials rely heavily upon the findings of Civic Economics studies in Austin, Chicago, San Francisco, and Phoenix. 

Learn more at IndieBound.org.


Liveable City
Closer to home, Professor Michael Oden of the University of Texas at Austin, has recently completed an analysis of Austin’s economic development incentives policies commissioned by Liveable City.  Building a More Sustainable Economy provides a clear review of municipal incentive programs and provides an excellent case study for other communities to study.

Congratulations to our graduate advisor, Dr. Oden, and one of our earliest clients, Liveable City.