ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
Since its founding in 1909, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia has been an independent organization that believes high-quality, nonpartisan, and objective intelligence about the region’s most important challenges and opportunities is a crucial driver of equitable prosperity in Greater Philadelphia. Our Research department generates insights that align with the organization’s role as a regional “think and do” tank that focuses on inclusive growth, equitable opportunities, and shared prosperity.
Our Principles
The Economy League's research is guided by the same principles that have guided the organization since 1909: objectivity, transparency, and independence:
Objectivity
Our research produces research insights using only accepted research methodologies driven by unbiased research questions, built on data from reputable sources (e.g. government offices, the U.S. Census Bureau, national research organizations, etc.), comparative cases, or outlined best practices from previous research.
Transparency
As a public charity supported by a cross-sector Board of Directors, the Economy League works solely in the public interest for the shared prosperity of the Philadelphia metropolitan region. We make all of our data, analyses, and results publicly available.
Impartiality
Our research does not engage in advocacy; its analyses follow the facts and represent the views of the Economy League alone. There is a firewall between the interests of members of the Board and the research agenda of the organization. Our research aims to ascertain the costs and benefits of legislative or administrative proposals, with the sole object of advancing the shared prosperity of the Greater Philadelphia region.
Our Leadership
Our research is guided by an expert Advisory Committee composed of a cross-sector of leaders who provide insight and guidance on ongoing projects. This committee is chaired by Lara Rhame, Chief US Economist for FS Investments.
LEADING INDICATORS BRIEFS
Leading Indicators is our regular data brief to provide context on local topics of interest.
The Economy League's Leading Indicator article serves as a high-quality analysis to deepen understanding of key regional trends and labor market challenges based on publicly-available data. Have any questions or additional input on this week's topic? Please send us your thoughts at info@economyleague.org
Regional Direction
Representation in Greater Philadelphia’s Construction Industry
In preparation for the Economy League’s inaugural PAGE Real Estate and Construction Summit on August 9, 2023, we explore workforce and business representation in Greater Philadelphia’s construction industry using recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Workforce representation is a powerful... Read More
Regional Direction
Philadelphia’s Housing Cost-burden: A Pre- and Post-Pandemic Comparison
In previous Leading Indicators we monitored rising housing cost-burden in Philadelphia amidst increasing rents throughout 2020 and 2021. Cost-burden is defined as paying more than 30% of gross household income on mortgage or rent [1]. While the reality of living with housing cost-burden is... Read More
Regional Direction
Greater Philadelphia’s Tech Workforce: The 2022 Data Update
As illustrated by our Driving Tech Talent Growth in PHL report, its 2019 update, and our annual monitoring of the regional tech workforce, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia has consistently demonstrated that the region’s technology sector offers unique possibilities to build new equitable... Read More
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
RESEARCH DIRECTOR