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.
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.
EPS Managing Principal Moody, Jason joined a panel of experts at a recent California Assembly Committee meeting to report on the effectiveness of a landmark housing bill that facilitates development of high-density housing on major commercial corridors. The February 25th Housing and Community Development oversight committee hearing, chaired by Assembly member Buffy Wicks, focused on outcomes of AB 2011, the Affordable Housing and High Roads Jobs Act of 2022. At the time of passage, the law drew attention for the support the bill received from stakeholders across the housing and labor communities for creating a streamlined approval process for housing projects that meet specified affordability and labor requirements.
Mr. Moody’s testimony described how economic headwinds have hindered AB 2011’s impact on housing development to date. Most notably, increasing construction costs and flattening rental growth have slowed production of all types of housing in recent years. In addition, Mr. Moody described how the law’s prevailing wage and inclusionary housing requirements have limited its use by market rate developers. Other panelists included Peter Calthorpe, a renowned author and founding member of the Congress for New Urbanism, and David A. Garcia, Deputy Director of Policy Terner Center, and Danny Curtin, Director California Conference of Carpenters.
Video link: Assembly Committee Meeting, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | California State Assembly
