EPS provides rigorous analysis and insightful solutions to address complex challenges in real estate development, land use policy, and local government finance. We are motivated by the role our work can play in shaping places where people live and we strive to create high-quality urban environments that advance the principles of diversity, resiliency, and shared prosperity.
EPS offers a wealth of experience, robust technical expertise, and the ability to offer insightful solutions to address the challenges and opportunities of urban development.
As cities across the region confront unmet housing demand, Palo Alto is evaluating new approaches to incentivize residential real estate development. EPS supported the City with targeted feasibility analysis to identify viable development projects and locations, and to consider regulatory factors that could be adjusted to promote housing.
EPS work included assessing building characteristics, market conditions, and financial scenarios to gauge the financial attractiveness of housing relative to alternative non-residential development. The EPS study's insights contribute to a broader conversation about land use flexibility, economic strategy, and policy options that seek to expand increase housing development.
EPS assisted the City with a presentation of study findings to the City of Palo Alto's Policy and Services Committee on March 10th.
Report link: Conversion of Commercial Uses to Mixed-Use Development Memorandum
Policy and Services Committee Meeting - March 10, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzvdFlibWww
EPS, in collaboration with Perkins&Will and Alta, worked to create a transformative plan for the City of Hanford, the 61,000-person county seat of Kings County in the heart of the Central Valley, ensuring the High-Speed Rail (HSR) aligns with the community’s vision. The Plan aims to maximize the benefits of HSR access while avoiding negative impacts on residents and the City’s historic Downtown. The HSR Hanford stop is preparing to be one of five stops on the initial operating segment of the California High-Speed Rail (HSR) line.
As part of the Hanford Connected: Kings-Tulare High-Speed Rail Station Transit Oriented Development Plan, EPS provided an existing conditions and equity/displacement analysis as well conducting case studies and interviews with regional stakeholders to inform the economic development aspects of the HSR land use planning. These findings shaped a Station Area Plan and the associated conceptual Public Facilities Financing Plan conducted by EPS, outlining implementation of the infrastructure investments needed to support the Plan's development. EPS kept financial feasibility central to the process, ensuring the Plan's vision was matched by a viable path to implementation.
