Policy Experts Who Level the Playing Field
Gain the upper hand and meet your business objectives
65+ years of collective experience serving nonprofits, local governments, private industry nationwide.
Who We Are
Based in Los Angeles, California, Beacon Economics is an independent,
data consulting and research firm, specializing in insightful and objective
economic and policy analysis. Led by Ph.D. economists, our experts have
65+ years of collective industry experience and wide-ranging expertise
conducting economic development analyses, industry profiles, industry
cluster analyses, employment analyses, economic impact analyses, and
economic and revenue forecasting for clients across the nation.
Beacon Economics’ team of talented researchers work for private industry and businesses, cities, counties, states, public agencies, public/private partnerships, and nonprofits across the nation. While paying close attention to public narratives, our work is guided by a deep understanding of an industry’s or economy’s long-term growth prospects and business cycles. Using vast data sets and sophisticated modeling, our analyses provide our clients with the information and awareness they need to understand the economic mechanisms and drivers affecting their businesses and geographic areas.
We Deliver Vital Tools To Our Clients
(Selected sample)
Cities
- Alameda
- Anaheim
- Brentwood
- Encinitas
- Las Vegas
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Oakland
- Reno
- Richmond
- Riverside
- San Francisco
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Cruz
Counties
- Los Angeles
- Lyon
- Monterey
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- Santa Clara
- Santa Cruz
- Sonoma
- Tulare
Other Clients
National Conference of State Legislatures
Western Association of Chamber Executives
Washington State Association of Counties
National Development Council
East Bay Economic Development Agency
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles Workforce Investment Board
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
A Partner For Public Policy Advocates
A Partner For Public Policy Advocates
With a focus on data-driven policy solutions, Beacon Economics has proved instrumental in delivering objective, robust, and expertly-researched insights on contemporary issues such as rent control and minimum wage regulation. Our policy analyses always include actionable recommendations and give stakeholders the upper hand in navigating the complex and combative landscape of economy-related policymaking.
Why has California lost thousands of fast food jobs?
Founding Partner Christopher Thornberg talks with Jot Condie of the California Restaurant Association about the latest BLS job numbers.
This carefully-sourced report analyzes the major trends affecting renters in Los Angeles and reveals a persistent public misunderstanding about their financial well-being. This includes the fact that real income has risen significantly for renter households in LA, and that rent delinquencies have fallen to historic lows. Broadly, Beacon Economics’ analysis suggests that tackling the region’s (and the state’s) housing crisis will require increasing housing supply, which would address the underlying challenges driving housing unaffordability.
California’s Minimum Wageand Its Impact on theRising Cost of Living
CLIENT: California Restaurant Association.
This analysis provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the economic impacts of minimum wage increases. By leveraging advanced statistical regressions and conducting extensive literature reviews, the report delivers valuable insights into the ripple effects of minimum wage policy changes. The findings reveal a relationship between wage hikes and rising consumer prices, shedding light on how such adjustments influence broader economic dynamics. This research enriches the policy discourse and better equips stakeholders to navigate the complexities of wage policy.
Services For Public Policy Advocates And Organizations
Economic and Revenue Forecasting
Employing proprietary, integrated econometric models, Beacon Economics’ forecasts are in high demand and have been used by non-profits, local governments, leading private industries for well over a decade. On record as being among the most accurate forecasters in the business, our top-tier analytic skills, high-frequency data analysis, and PhD-level training, delivers the intel and vision our clients need to plan for changes in their markets and the broader economy. Learn More.
Economic, Fiscal, and Social Impact Analysis
Beacon Economics analyzes and effectively communicates the economic, fiscal, and social/community benefits and impacts of public and private projects, events, and pending or existing legislation in the context of job creation, economic output, tax revenue, and other key variables. Our analyses have illustrated the contributions and impacts of clients as varied as the University of California, the 2024 Olympic Bid Committee, the World Ag Expo, LAX, and the Electric Daisy Carnival. Learn More.
Public Policy Analysis
Our team of experienced public policy review experts are highly attune to the complexities of working within the legislative space. We specialize in evaluating the effects of existing and proposed legislation on businesses and industries, workers, consumers, specific geographies, and other stakeholders through an economic lens. Beacon Economics’ assessments always include practical, hands-on recommendations for addressing and navigating policy related issues.
Industry Employment Analysis
Beacon Economics analyzes industries and job sectors in support of economic development, business, and public and private investment. We identify economic and employment trends, impacts, and workforce needs across leading and emerging industries to help our clients seize new growth opportunities by informing their policy, planning, and investment decisions.
Speaking Engagements
Beacon Economics is a top-tier resource for keynote and business speakers. The firm’s engaging experts are in high demand across North America delivering current economic and policy insights to audiences with varying levels of economic and financial knowledge. Presentations are designed to meet clients’ needs, geography, industry – and are always based on the most recent data available. Learn More.
Looking For A Customized Industry Forecast?
Our Experts
Meet our team of dedicated industry specialists. Each team member brings a unique blend of knowledge, experience, and passion to their respective fields, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and the most optimal outcomes.
-
Christopher Thornberg
Founding PartnerChristopher Thornberg Ph.D. has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite...
view profile
-
Justin Niakamal
Manager, Regional and Sub-Regional AnalysisJustin Niakamal manages the Regional and Sub-Regional Analysis practice area at Beacon Economics....
view profile
-
Miriam Valdes Ibarra
Policy and Economic Development ManagerMiriam Valdes Ibarra is a Policy and Economic Development Manager at Beacon Economics, overseeing...
view profile
-
Niree Kodaverdian
Research ManagerNiree Kodaverdian, Ph.D. is a Research Manager at Beacon Economics, LLC. Dr. Kodaverdian conducts...
view profile
-
Stafford Nichols
Research ManagerStafford Nichols is a Research Manager at Beacon Economics. He oversees and guides projects and...
view profile
More
Information
To connect with us or ask a question about any of Beacon Economics’ practice areas, please contact:
Business Development Team at 424-666-2165 or [email protected]
For Speeches
Strategic Partnerships Manager Kristen Lovell
at 424-372-1061 or [email protected]