Articles & Insights
Methodology notes, explainers, and research from the Zenith Economics team.
Economic impact analysis is full of jargon, and much of it is used inconsistently by different practitioners. The articles here are plain-English explainers of the concepts our clients ask about most often: how input-output modeling works, what a multiplier actually measures, the difference between fiscal and economic impact, how to evaluate an impact report, and what drives the cost of commissioning a study.
These are not marketing pieces. Each article is written by one of our IMPLAN Certified Economists and reviewed by the rest of the team before publication. We try to be honest about the limits of the methodology, not just its strengths — because a study that does not acknowledge its own assumptions is not a study we would sign our name to.
If you are commissioning an impact study for the first time, or reviewing a study prepared by another firm, start with How to Evaluate an Economic Impact Report. If you want to understand the modeling itself, read What Is IMPLAN and How Does It Work? and Multipliers Explained.
New articles are added as our team encounters questions that come up repeatedly in client work. We welcome suggestions for topics — if there is a concept you would like us to explain, send us a note.
How Much Does an Economic Impact Study Cost?
The cost of an economic impact study varies by scope, geography, and methodology. Here is an honest breakdown of what drives pricing.
Read Article →What Is IMPLAN and How Does It Work?
IMPLAN is the most widely used input-output modeling platform in U.S. economic impact analysis. Here is what it does, what it does not do, and why it matters.
Read Article →Fiscal Impact vs. Economic Impact: What's the Difference?
The terms get used interchangeably, but they measure different things. Knowing the difference helps you commission the right study for your decision.
Read Article →How to Evaluate an Economic Impact Report
Not every economic impact study is rigorous. Here are the questions to ask when reviewing an impact report from any consultant — including ours.
Read Article →Direct, Indirect, and Induced Effects: Multipliers Explained
"Multiplier" is the most-used and most-misused word in impact analysis. A plain-English guide to what multipliers measure and where they break.
Read Article →Get a Proposal Within 48 Hours
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