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P.O. Box 5442
Berkeley, CA 94705

Phone: (707) 494-6648
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© 2023 Brion Economics, Inc.

Strategic Collaborations

Supporting our many client projects, BEI has actively created solutions to meet the demand for sound planning and strategic assessments, using key economic information to inform decisions regarding proposed projects, public policy, and programs to bring multiple voices and issues to the table. Ms. Brion’s core focus is to serve the broader community and bring strategic planning to generate the largest public benefit possible from each assignment.

Brion Economics collaborates with the following individuals or firms on a regular basis.

Economics and Policy Analysis

Michelle Nilsson

Michelle Nilsson

Nilsson Consulting

Michelle Nilsson has worked on most of BEI’s studies as an associate since 2002. She holds an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA and recently completed law school. In addition to her work with BEI, Ms. Nilsson has extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations. Ms. Nilsson is based in Los Angeles, CA.

Richard Berkson, Berkson Associates

Richard Berkson

Berkson Associates

Richard L. Berkson has more than 30 years of experience evaluating the fiscal impacts of development proposals and has prepared financial and fiscal analyses of numerous large-scale, mixed-use projects in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Recently, he managed and prepared the following studies:

  • Municipal Service Reviews (MSRs) Sanitary District (EPASD), and West Bay Sanitary District (WBSD), East Palo Alto
  • Mountain House Community Services District (MHCSD) Incorporation Feasibility Study, Mountain House
  • Fiscal Analysis of Balboa Reservoir Project, San Francisco
  • Economic Impact Study of Self-Storage Project, San Francisco

http://berksonassociates.com/

Mark Walsh

Mark Walsh, CPA

Fiscal and Financial Analyst

Mark Walsh specializes in local government finance and communications. For Brion Economics, Inc., Mr. Walsh provides fiscal and financial forensics, research, and analysis. Mr. Walsh happily chases down technical information with the exuberance of a yellow lab fetching a soggy tennis ball for BEI. Previously, he was the director of finance for the County of Marin and director of information systems for the County of Sonoma. Mr. Walsh is a recognized accounting and financial analytics expert, speaking on ratio analysis, technology budgeting, and excellence in management for the Government Finance Officers Association of the US and Canada. Recent work includes: City Charter review; utility systems rate communications; local fiscal health benchmarks and reporting; best practices review – government budget and financials; and finance director transition planning and onboarding support for local jurisdictions. 

"Joanne is a trusted advisor who I highly recommend. She’s also a wonderful human!" “I have worked with Joanne Brion for most of my career and she has always been my “go-to” urban economist for clients needing help with or peer review of Fiscal Impact Analyses. Joanne has a unique gift of translating complicated economic concepts into a digestible, user-friendly form that’s relatable to both the community and decision-makers alike. Joanne also has been extremely helpful over the years with her assessments of community benefits and determining how projects can pencil. Joanne is a trusted advisor who I highly recommend. She’s also a wonderful human!” ~ Jennifer E. Renk, Land Use Attorney Partner, Sheppard Mullin

Let’s Talk About Your Project

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