Research, Analysis and Consultation Services
Services
Master Plan Economics
VCE brings decades of experience to identifying the economic reality and development potential of the many market segments that can fuel the development of a master plan. For public and private sector entities, VCE draws upon its unique understanding of real estate, planning, and economics and how they interrelate in the creation of successful master plans.
We advise developers and municipalities with large land holdings on how to most appropriately program and phase long-range master plans that involve unique real estate market conditions and diverse demographics. We also advise smaller clients on how to maximize holdings in the context of the community around them.
Whether plans call for single or varied uses such as residential, retail, office, hospitality, entertainment, and cultural venues, VCE provides clients with strategies that build communities that make sound economic sense.
Market & Feasibility Studies
VCE provides thorough research and analysis of markets and economic feasibility for public and private clients both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team of experts.
VCE analysts have experience preparing market and feasibility studies for mixed-use developments, housing, retail centers, recreational and cultural facilities, industrial space, as well as land use changes, downtown and corridor redevelopment, neighborhood economic development, attractions, museums, and zoos. VCE research and forecasts are based on realistic premises and the unique characteristics of the specific locale and market area. The expertise of VCE’s analysts ensures an exceptional level of quality.
Financial Modeling
VCE builds financial and operational models for decision-makers that provide insight, take a variety of scenarios into consideration, and help decision-makers judge the financial feasibility of business opportunities.
VCE’s models focus on capturing critical economic relationships and are built from the bottom up to address dynamics specific to a project or industry. For example, models include operational cash flows, attendance scenarios, visitor capacity analysis, debt service calculations, and investment return rates. Inputs are based on market research, comparable operations, and industry standards.
Economic & Fiscal Impact
VCE has extensive experience in preparing economic and fiscal impact studies, or economic contribution studies, for a variety of clients. Economic and fiscal impact studies measure the effect of a business, organization, industry, or event on the local, regional, or state economy.
These studies provide critical information for business firms, trade associations, governments, planners, economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, service organizations, policymakers, and public interest groups. VCE’s studies provide specific analyses and conclusions with respect to several important factors:
Our analyses can also allocate sales, visits, and other measures of performance to specific political jurisdictions, communities, or zip codes to document specific impacts in other ways. Clients include local and state governments, as well as companies ranging from small nonprofit organizations to large international corporations.
Economic Planning & Strategy
VCE provides economic and planning strategies for a diverse range of private and public sector clients. For public clients, VCE consultants excel in providing expertise in local/regional economic development planning and in comprehensive planning. Additionally, VCE brings to public sector clients the skill and executable directives for downtown revitalization and transit-oriented development programs.
A core competency of VCE lies in its ability to successfully counsel both public and private sector clients in matters of economic planning and strategy for tourism, parks and recreation, and entertainment uses.
For these assignments, VCE combines an understanding of private sector needs with expertise in the recognition and implementation of public policy objectives.
Developer Solicitation
When the time comes to identify the best private sector partner with which to develop a project, VCE utilizes several different processes that can identify potential partners. VCE can take the process further by advising on RFQs, RFPs, interviews, and other approaches to identify the best partner choices and also prepares development agreements.
Zoo & Aquarium Assignments
Water Park & Resort Assignments
Aquatic Centers Assignments
Museum, Culture and Performing Arts Assignments
Retail Assignments
Residential & Mix-Use Assignments
Parks & Recreation Assignments
Tourism, Entertainment & Attractions Assignments
Native American Assignments
Economic & Fiscal Impact Assignments
Downtown, Corridor, Neighborhood Plans, Community Revitalization Assignments