GERC is an economic consulting firm that helps public agencies, developers, nonprofits and businesses make decisions and win funding with sound economic research. We are based in San Bernardino, California, and we work with clients nationwide. Studies are delivered remotely, and we present findings in person or by video.
Every study is led by Dr. Shirley Ayangbah, who holds a PhD in International Economic and Financial Law and an MA in Economics. Because we also write grants and proposals, our research is built to meet what funders, lenders, councils and grant reviewers actually ask for.
Our economic consulting services
- Economic impact analysis: jobs, labor income, business output and tax revenue a project or policy supports, using IMPLAN or RIMS II.
- Fiscal impact analysis: the revenues and service costs a development creates for a city, county or special district.
- Benefit-cost analysis: the BCA required for federal grants such as BUILD, INFRA and FEMA hazard mitigation programs.
- Feasibility studies: market and financial feasibility for housing, infrastructure, transportation, energy and business projects.
- Market research and market analysis: market sizing, demand, competition and labor market analysis for new markets and funding cases.
- Socioeconomic analysis for CEQA and NEPA: population, housing, employment and community effects sections for environmental documents.
- Policy white papers and economic research: research reports and briefs for agencies, advocates and boards.
Who we work with
- Cities, counties, transit agencies, ports and special districts
- Developers and project sponsors who need to show what a project is worth
- Engineering and planning firms that need an economic subconsultant. See Teaming Partners.
- Nonprofits, tribal governments, universities and economic development organizations
- Businesses planning an expansion, a new facility or entry into a new market
Why clients choose GERC
- PhD-led research that holds up with funders, lenders and public boards.
- Research tied to funding. We also write grants and proposals, so the study fits the application it supports.
- A certified, woman-owned small business. Certified as a California Small Business (Micro) and SB-PW (ID 2045992), which helps prime contractors meet small business participation goals.
- Plain-language results, with a short summary that a council, board or reviewer can read in minutes.
Case example
MarQcor International. GERC delivered feasibility and market studies for MarQcor International’s renewable energy, airport and real estate development projects, worth billions of dollars in total. See feasibility studies and market analysis.
Economic consulting nationwide
We work with clients across the United States. Our analysis relies on national data sources such as the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Census Bureau and IMPLAN, so the study area can be any city, county, state or multi-state region. In California we also serve local agencies directly, including the Inland Empire and San Bernardino.
Frequently asked questions
What does an economic consulting firm do?
An economic consulting firm uses data and economic methods to answer practical questions: what a project is worth to a region, whether it pays for itself, whether there is enough demand, and how to make the case to a funder or decision-maker.
Do you work outside California?
Yes. We work with clients nationwide. Most of our research is done remotely, and we can present results in person or by video.
Which study do I need: economic impact, fiscal impact or benefit-cost analysis?
An economic impact study shows how much economic activity a project supports. A fiscal impact analysis shows the effect on a government budget. A benefit-cost analysis asks whether benefits to society outweigh the costs, and it is what most federal infrastructure grants require. We will tell you which one your funder or board expects.
Can GERC join our team as an economic subconsultant?
Yes. We regularly join engineering, planning and development teams on public proposals. See Teaming Partners.
Talk to us
- Call (909) 454-7076, Monday to Friday.
- Book a consultation at a time that suits you.
- Email us. The message opens with the subject already filled in.