Economic Impact Analysis

Data science-powered visitation and economic impact analysis

Radbridge leverages advanced methodologies including machine learning, geospatial analysis, and mobile location data to quantify economic impacts of outdoor recreation, restoration projects, and infrastructure investments.

We combine cutting-edge data science with traditional economic analysis to provide comprehensive assessments that capture both market and non-market benefits. Our innovative approaches overcome challenges of sparse visitation data by integrating mobile location analytics with observed data and robust economic modeling.

Our methodologies provide a defensible analysis that aim to incorporate the latest advances in spatial analytics and machine learning. We also quantify non-market benefits including consumer surplus, healthcare cost reductions, and ecosystem services alongside traditional economic multiplier effects.

Our Approach

Data Science & Analytics

• Mobile & sensor-based visitation capture: Acquire and clean anonymized mobile-location, trail counter, and other sensor feeds
• Geospatial data fusion & processing: Integrate land-manager boundaries, trail networks, amenities, and environmental layers
• Machine-learning demand modeling: Use ML algorithms to fill data gaps, predict visit counts, and create time-series forecasts
• Visitor segmentation & trip profiling: Classify visits as local vs. non-local, attach trip distance, dwell time, and activity type
• Statistical QA/QC & validation: Apply cross-validation, hold-out testing, and benchmark comparisons for defensible estimates

Economic Impact Assessment

• Visitor-spending research & profiling: Triangulate literature-based benchmarks, custom surveys, and credit-card data for robust spend profiles
• Regional input-output modeling (IMPLAN / RIMS II): Convert direct spending into jobs, labor income, GDP/value-added, and supply-chain effects
• Fiscal impact analysis: Estimate state & local tax revenues plus potential infrastructure cost offsets for budget officers
• Non-market valuation & health/ecosystem benefits: Measure consumer surplus, avoided healthcare costs, and ecosystem-service values
• Interactive dashboards & data-visualization: Deliver web-based dashboards and presentation-ready graphics for scenario exploration

Application Areas

Outdoor Recreation

Local, state, and national parks & trails, adventure parks, and whitewater parks

Restoration Projects

Watershed restoration, habitat enhancement, green infrastructure investments

Infrastructure Investments

Transportation, utilities, community facilities, resilience projects

Benefit-Cost Analysis

Rigorous economic evaluation for informed investment decisions

Radbridge provides comprehensive benefit-cost analysis services that help organizations make informed investment decisions by rigorously quantifying project benefits against their costs.

Our team applies advanced economic methodologies to evaluate investments across sectors including hazard mitigation, infrastructure, restoration, and green infrastructure. We develop custom analytical frameworks that capture the full spectrum of benefits and costs, including ecosystem services, co-benefits, and equity considerations.

From FEMA-compliant analyses to watershed-scale optimization tools, we ensure our BCAs meet federal standards while providing actionable insights for strategic decision-making. Our work supports funding applications, policy development, and investment prioritization across multiple sectors.

Our Approach

Comprehensive Valuation & Methodology

• Multi-benefit quantification: Ecosystem services, health co-benefits, avoided costs, and market impacts
• Advanced economic modeling: Present value calculations, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty assessment
• Federal compliance: FEMA BCA Toolkit, OMB guidelines, and agency-specific requirements
• Custom analytical frameworks: Tailored methodologies for unique project contexts and benefit categories

Tools & Applications

• Portfolio optimization tools: Watershed-scale screening and least-cost investment strategies
• Green infrastructure assessment: GSI Impact Calculator for stormwater infrastructure co-benefits
• Grant application support: FEMA, EPA, USDA, and other federal funding program BCAs
• Policy evaluation: Regulatory impact analysis and program effectiveness assessment
• Investment prioritization: Comparative analysis and resource allocation guidance

Application Areas

Hazard Mitigation

FEMA grant applications, risk reduction investments, and community resilience projects

Green Infrastructure

Stormwater management, watershed restoration, and ecosystem-based adaptation

Infrastructure Investments

Transportation, utilities, energy systems, and community development projects

FEMA Hazard Mitigation

Expert guidance for successful FEMA mitigation funding

Radbridge has supported communities across the nation with benefit-cost analysis and strategy to access more than $40 million in FEMA funding for mitigation planning and projects.

Our team combines deep expertise in FEMA's hazard mitigation programs with innovative approaches to nature-based solutions and green infrastructure. We've led the development of FEMA's guidance for ecosystem services and green infrastructure in the BCA Toolkit, ensuring our clients benefit from the latest policy developments.

From screening-level assessments to full benefit-cost analyses, we provide comprehensive support throughout the FEMA application process. Our work has directly supported successful awards including conducting the BCA for a $37 million BRIC grant.

Our Approach

FEMA Expertise & Policy Development

• BCA Toolkit development: Supported research and development of FEMA's 2022 guidance for ecosystem services and green infrastructure
• Innovative tools: Developing the FEMA Screening Tool to guide subapplicants through the FEMA application process
• Policy recommendations: Developed policy reports for FEMA to advance nature-based solutions in hazard mitigation and for OMB on the discount rate
• Technical assistance: Provided technical assistance to a range of communities

Benefit-Cost Analysis & Application Support

• FEMA-compliant BCAs: Full benefit-cost analyses using approved methodologies and latest toolkit updates
• Nature-based solutions integration: Quantifying co-benefits of green infrastructure and ecosystem-based approaches
• Screening and strategy: Rapid assessments to identify viable projects and optimal funding strategies
• Application development: End-to-end support from project scoping through final submission
• Multi-hazard expertise: Experience with wildfire, flood, drought, and extreme heat mitigation projects

Software Development

Custom web applications and tools for big data

Radbridge develops custom software solutions that make complex data accessible and actionable for organizations working in resilience, sustainability, and outdoor recreation.

Our development team combines domain expertise with modern web technologies to build tools that solve real-world problems. From climate data access platforms to grant application screening tools, we create software that bridges the gap between complex datasets and practical decision-making.

We focus on user-friendly interfaces that make sophisticated analysis accessible to non-technical users, while maintaining the rigor and functionality that technical professionals require.

View Example Tools →

Economic Impact Analysis

Our Approach

Data Science & Analytics

Economic Impact Assessment

Application Areas

Outdoor Recreation

Restoration Projects

Infrastructure Investments

Benefit-Cost Analysis

Our Approach

Comprehensive Valuation & Methodology

Tools & Applications

Application Areas

Hazard Mitigation

Green Infrastructure

Infrastructure Investments

FEMA Hazard Mitigation

Our Approach

FEMA Expertise & Policy Development

Benefit-Cost Analysis & Application Support

Software Development

Contact Us