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]
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
In 2009, Appleseed assisted the Morningside Area Alliance in evaluating the impact of the recession of 2008-09 on New York City’s economy, its impact on the neighborhoods of Upper Manhattan and its implications for the Alliance’s member institutions.
Download: The Recession of 2008-09: Impact on New York City, Implications for the Morningside Area Alliance [PDF]
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]
As part of a broad review of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s long-term strategy for the growth of the New York-New Jersey port, Appleseed assisted the Port Authority in assessing opportunities for port-related development in areas near the Authority’s marine terminals.
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, published in early 2002, assessed 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 described some of the most important policy and program changes affecting New York's low-income families, discussed a number of issues that have arisen in connection with those changes, and suggested 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]
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
Appleseed’s report assessed Tulane University’s impact as the largest private employer in New Orleans and a major contributor to development the city’s human capital, and also highlighted the University’s role in the city’s recovery from the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
Download: From Recovery to Renewal: The Economic Impact of Tulane University [PDF]
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: Investing in Innovation: Harvard University's Impact on the Boston Area [PDF]
Appleseed’s GIS capabilities allow us to array and analyze demographic, economic, market and other data at all levels – from states and metro regions to neighborhoods and city blocks – and to present the results using easy-to-understand maps and graphs.
Sample Projects
Since 2005, Appleseed has been assisting the New York City Economic Development Corporation in developing a plan to expand privately-operated intra-city ferry service. With the help of geographic information systems tools, Appleseed analyzed the potential market for new ferry services in several areas across the city.
Download: North Williamsburg Developments [PDF]
By combining well-crafted content with outstanding design, Appleseed helps clients tell their story – and reach their intended audience – most effectively.
Sample Projects
For the New York City Mayor's Office and the Public Art Fund, Appleseed analyzed the economic and cultural impact of Olafur Eliasson's New York City Waterfalls on the city. As part of the study, Appleseed wrote and designed the final report, which was published online.
Download: The New York City Waterfalls: The Economic Impact of a Public Art Work [PDF]