Public Policy Analysis
Rigorous data-based analysis that uncovers the effects of public policies on communities, industries, businesses, and populations
How should companies respond to a change in state subsidies?
Should a town implement a new housing tax? Is it beneficial for an organization to continue its employee training program? Will a change in minimum wage affect a region’s competitiveness?
These are just a sampling of the variety of policy-related questions that we analyze and answer.
- Our researchers apply sophisticated econometric modeling techniques to dissect the underlying dynamics of complex policy issues at the state, local, and industry/organization level.
- We produce clearly articulated reports and deliverables that often have broad impacts beyond our immediate clients.
- Our work ends with clear recommendations that help our clients determine the most effective way forward.
BEACON ECONOMICS’ PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS IS:
INTER-DISCIPLINARY
The researchers in our Public Policy Analysis practice work on many issues – from housing, energy, water, workforce training, economic development, to a wide variety of regulatory matters. With a client base that is roughly half private sector, such as associations and corporations, and half public sector, such as municipalities and government entities, we house a broad array of experience and analytical skills in order to address diverse issues from different perspectives.
CLIENT CENTERED
Each of our projects is customized to meet the needs of our client. Our team prides itself on providing fast, reliable service, and thoroughly-researched reports that are easy to understand and use in many forums. We are responsive and stay in close contact with our clients throughout every project to ensure all objectives are met. �
ACTION ORIENTED
Beacon Economics’ analysis does not stop at providing the data-based impacts of a particular policy. We take the next step and explain what those findings mean for a client and their ultimate goals… then we deliver strategic, actionable recommendations.
QUANTITATVE AND QUALITATIVE
In addition to quantitative analysis, our public policy research necessarily takes into account qualitative information and the broader context of a situation or issue. Policy analysis is fraught with complexity, intersecting with political realities and far-reaching, sometimes unintended, consequences. Examining the full environment in which a policy or proposed policy exists, is critical to producing the most useful strategic insights and recommendations.
UNCOMPROMIZING
As policy analysts, we take the objectivity of our analysis seriously. We guard our independent, empirical research approach carefully, ensuring rigorous scientific results with an uncompromising focus on accuracy and truth.
65+ Years Of Collective Experience Serving Cities, Counties, States, Economic Development Agencies, And Other Public-Facing Clients Nationwide
Our Approach: Recent Public Policy Analysis Projects
CLIENT: County of Monterey
Anxiety over Monterey County’s long-term economic viability was a primary driver behind the County seeking a comprehensive economic development strategy. In response, Beacon Economics delivered a deeply-researched and inclusive CEDS that provided actionable recommendations and identified opportunities for growth and renewal. Building off the County’s core strengths, primarily an exceptionally productive agricultural sector and a world-famous coastline that draws tourists from around the globe, Beacon Economics’ analysis revealed creative avenues the County could follow such as bolstering eco-tourism, and applying technology development in the Agriculture industry and in an emerging robotics and drone sector.
CLIENT: Downtown Long Beach Alliance
Beacon Economics developed and presented an independent analysis of future housing needs in the City of Long Beach through the year 2040. The analysis projected housing needs based on a combination of demographic and industry data, our proprietary economic forecast models, and
the state of local housing stock. The final product gave city leaders a roadmap for its General Plan update and a foundation for future land use decisions.
CLIENT: City of Los Angeles Office of the Controller
This study assessed changes in the City of Los Angeles’ economy over the past 10 years and showed how these changes are shaping the local economic outlook. The analysis identified growing and shrinking industries in the City, illustrated how the changing economy is affecting specific neighborhoods, and analyzed the intersection between land use and economic development. Critically, the report included recommendations about how to best nurture the growth of emerging businesses.
Our Experts
Meet our public policy specialists and experts. Each team member brings a unique blend of knowledge, experience, and passion to their work, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service and expertise.
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Stafford Nichols
Research ManagerStafford Nichols is a Research Manager at Beacon Economics. He oversees and guides projects and...
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Christopher Thornberg
Founding PartnerChristopher Thornberg Ph.D. has been called many things throughout his career, but his favorite...
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Bryan S. Castro
Senior Research AssociateBryan Castro is a Senior Research Associate at Beacon Economics. Mr. Castro works across multiple...
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For
Projects
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]