Economic and Demographic Analysis
Our economic and demographic analyses provide clients and policy makers with an understanding of the factors that are critical for the success of a project, the competitiveness of a region, or a comprehensive measure of the economic impact a set of activities have on a region.
Our models, methodologies, assumptions, and data are based on established economic theory and best practices.
We present our results in clear, direct language that, to the extent possible, avoids economic jargon. The authority of our work will always be based on our analytical integrity and the use of best practices for data sources and data handling—rather than obfuscating results in technical language.
Economic impact analysis
An economic impact analysis captures the full effect from a potential or ongoing economic activity on a region’s economy. Because these analyses include the full economic return to a region, they are often used to clarify both the costs and benefits of public investments.
Project feasibility
We apply structured modeling approaches, including cost-benefit and best use analyses, gravity modeling, and fiscal impact analysis to provide decisive insights.
Economic benchmarking
A benchmarking analysis identifies the strengths and weaknesses that shape your competitive advantage. Our benchmarking studies provide clarity in planning goals and policy by identifying a comparable group and a set of critical measures.
Regional profiles
Regional profiles explore demographic and economic metrics in detail and provide a valuable perspective into the factors that shape a region’s competitiveness. Our regional profiles also provide important data for regionally unique sustainable development strategies.
Economic and Demographic Analysis Contact
Projects
Strengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachia: Technical Report and Guidebook for Practitioners
In collaboration with Dialogue + Design and researchers from West Virginia University and Pennsylvania State University, Downstream Strategies assessed how coal-impacted communities can transform and diversify their economies and build resilience against future economic shocks. The study resulted in two documents: (1) a technical report that describes the quantitative analysis used to identify the factors that increase a community’s ability to buffer an economic shock; and (2) a guidebook that summarizes project findings, presents case studies, and suggests best practices and strategies for communities to employ in order to build resilience.
Economic impact assessment of community-based real estate redevelopment opportunities
Spearheaded by the West Virginia Community Development Hub, several West Virginia communities are seeking to reinvigorate iconic Appalachian downtowns through the redevelopment of culturally significant buildings. Downstream Strategies was contracted to develop redevelopment scenarios utilizing the communities’ visions for those spaces and to quantify the economic impact of those scenarios.