Planning and project development
Appleseed's economic development planning practice involves analysis of current economic, demographic, and real estate market conditions and trends; helping clients define their development objectives; and preparing development strategies, project plans and implementation programs aimed at helping them realize these objectives.
Sample Projects
For the Fashion Center Business Improvement District, Appleseed assessed the current conditions and long-term trends in employment, space utilization, and real estate market conditions. These analyses formed the basis for a strategy to help businesses and property owners leverage emerging opportunities.
Download: Remodeling the Fashion District [PDF]
For the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency, Appleseed led a team of consultants in assessing opportunities for development in Nepperhan Valley —- an historic but underutilized industrial area. The study included an analysis of existing conditions, real estate market conditions, a proposed site plan, necessary traffic improvements, cost and financial feasibility, economic impact analysis and a development strategy.
Download: Nepperhan Valley Study [PDF]
Strategic planning and program development
Appleseed helps public agencies and non-profit organizations formulate strategies and develop new programs aimed at serving their constituencies more effectively. When necessary, we also help our clients secure financing for new programs and projects. Our experience includes strategic planning, program development and project funding in such areas as workforce development, small business assistance and community services.
Sample Projects
Appleseed assisted the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the preparation of a strategic port development plan.
Download: Building a 21st Century Port [PDF]
Economic, social and public policy research
Appleseed helps clients understand how changes in economic and social conditions, as well as changes in public policy, affect their development prospects. We also help clients identify and advocate changes in public policy that will help promote economic growth and opportunity.
Sample Projects
The September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center exacted an enormous toll on New York City, both economically and in terms of human suffering. This report assesses how changes that have occurred in the City in the aftermath of the attack are affecting the work of United Way of New York City, and the work of the nonprofit organizations it supports.
Download: Beyond Ground Zero: Challenges and Implications for Human Services Post September 11 [PDF]
Since the mid-1990s, policy and program changes at federal, state, and local levels have had a profound impact on the well-being of low-income families in New York City. This report for the National Center for Children in Poverty describes some of the most important policy and program changes affecting New York's low-income families, discusses a number of issues that have arisen in connection with those changes, and suggests several ways in which the city, state, and federal government might enhance the well-being of low-income families.
Download: Policies Affecting New York City's Low-Income Families [PDF]
Economic impact analysis
Appleseed's economic impact analyses help clients understand the scope and magnitude of their contributions to the local or regional economy – through their existing operations, major expansion initiatives or both – and help them communicate effectively with key audiences about these contributions. Economic impact analyses can also help clients evaluate investment alternatives.
Sample Projects
For Harvard University, Appleseed assessed the university's impact on the Boston area economy, both as a major enterprise in itself and through its role in education, research, business development and community service.
Download: Innovation and Opportunity: Harvard University's Impact on the Boston Area Economy [PDF]
Appleseed prepared a study, aggregating the economic impact of Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, Tufts University and the University of Massachusetts - Boston on the metropolitan area. It showed the integral role these universities play in developing talent, incubating business and new industries, and their role as a stabilizing sector during economic crisis.
Download: Engines of Economic Growth: The Economic Impact of Boston's Eight Research Universities on the Metropolitan Boston Area [PDF]
For the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, Appleseed analyzed the impact the reconstruction of the World Trade Center site on the New York City, State and metropolitan area economies.
Download: Economic Impact of Redeveloping The World Trade Center Site [PDF]