Civic Economics’ economic and demographic analysis expertise is rooted in our extensive strategic planning background.  Our economic and demographic analysis techniques and experience prove their worth in both public and private sector arenas, ranging from establishing prosperity and sustainability indicators to assessing the feasibility of real estate developments.

Over the five year history of the firm, we have applied state of the art analytical tools to highlight issues and solutions surrounding a variety of problems.

Civic Economics was the first to apply income migration analysis in the Rio Grande Valley, which forms the southernmost border between Texas and Mexico.  We discovered two parallel and disturbing trends and pointed to policy approaches to address these trends at both the highest and lowest income levels.

Civic Economics conceived and executed the widely cited Liveable City Study in Austin. Our analysis and public presentation resulted in the reversal of a multimillion-dollar public expenditure that would have yielded a substantial net loss in local economic impact. Following a series of influential Civic Economics studies, local economic incentive policies have been revised to include consideration of external economic impacts.

Civic Economics can work with any community, business, or civic organization to formulate a customized research program.

RESEARCH • ANALYSIS

Civic Economics’ research and analysis services don’t stop at providing our clients with just the numbers. We bring to bear our considerable experience and critical thinking to create a rational, realistic, and credible assessment of the project or target market.

The Civic Economics partners have provided numerous studies covering a variety of issues to a diverse clientele, including commercial and residential developers, Fortune 500 technology firms, chambers of commerce, non-governmental organizations, and local and international governments.

Civic Economics features the following research and analysis methodologies:

• Economic Impact Analysis – Customizing applications of the IMPLAN® model
• Geographic Information Systems – Presenting data in an intuitive format
• Income Migration Studies – Tapping unique data from the IRS
• Industry Cluster Analysis – Detailing the composition of the local economy
• Industry Shift-Share Analysis – Placing the local economy in a global context
• Demographic Analysis – Identifying trends and highlighting future needs
• Retail Market Studies – Identifying market and public policy opportunities
• Economic Forecasts – Preparing the community for the future
• Comparative Studies – Tracking competitors and best practices
• Funding Source Research – Matching programs with supportive funding sources

BENCHMARKING • INDICATORS

Our partners, associates, and advisors have worked in communities large and small from coast to coast. This broad national and international experience provides us insight into determining the best use of data to measure your community or region’s success.

Civic Economics recognizes the importance of and promotes the use of indicators and comparisons for providing a baseline to local and regional activities. We work closely with clients to fully understand their goals and help them uncover creative and accurate means for gauging progress.

Civic Economics offers customizable benchmarking and indicators, which can be applied to any number of comparison and competitor communities:

• Foundation & Performance Assessment – Our signature approach
• SWOT Assessment – Presenting Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
• Performance Metrics – Providing standards for future achievement
• Workforce Assessment – Highlighting available skills and training requirements
• Infrastructure Assessment – Prioritizing capital improvement projects
• Innovation Capacity – Measuring capacity for technological leadership
• Quality of Life Indicators – Assembling components of the healthy community
• Sustainability Indicators – Focusing on the interests of future generations

FACILITATION • PRESENTATION

Civic Economics highly values close contact and collaboration with our clients.  This approach gives us a unique ability to assist our clients in communicating their goals with the public, local media, or boards of directors.

We recognize that education is often half the battle in obtaining the freedom to pursue goals. No organization works in a vacuum, and Civic Economics helps our clients establish an environment that ensures buy-in from all relevant stakeholders.

Civic Economics offers a variety of facilitation and presentation services:

• Strategic Planning Workshops – Building consensus in an accelerated fashion
• SWOT Sessions – Highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
• Public Speaking – Communicating for you and with you
• Board Retreats – Bringing new members up to speed
• Promotional Materials – Making ideas accessible
• Web Design and Content – Carrying ideas to the world