Willdan Group, Inc., is pleased to welcome James Edison as a managing principal in the Oakland, California, office of Willdan Financial Services (WFS).
Mr. Edison specializes in the nexus between public and private enterprises, with particular expertise in public-private partnerships and the benefits of economic development to municipalities and to state, provincial, regional, and national governments. He has extensive knowledge about land-use economics, and particularly the finance and implementation of infrastructure and development projects (including the fiscal impacts and public and private project financing), both in the United States and internationally. He has worked for both public and private clients on the implementation of public-private transactions, providing market and fiscal analysis, finance strategies, and negotiation support. His public-sector experience encompasses local and regional economic impact studies; fiscal impact evaluations; new government formation strategies, including annexations and government reorganizations; and the creation of impact fees, assessments, and special taxes to fund infrastructure and public facilities. Mr. Edison has also consulted on a wide variety of land-use planning topics related to community revitalization and expansion. He has evaluated markets for entire new towns, as well as for proposed residential, retail, entertainment, office, research and development, hotel, and mixed-use projects.
As a former bond attorney, Mr. Edison understands the legal underpinnings and technical requirements of public financing instruments. He has advised both public and private clients on the use of individual instruments and the interaction between those instruments and the project financing needs of developers
Mr. Edison holds M.P.P. and J.D. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. His undergraduate work was at Harvard University, where he received an A.B. (magna cum laude). Mr. Edison is a member of the California state bar and a licensed real estate broker.
Mark Risco, President and CEO of Willdan Financial Services, is enthusiastic about Mr. Edison’s selection. "We are delighted that Mr. Edison has joined Willdan. His knowledge of land-use planning, community revitalization, and the economic and fiscal impacts of development will significantly augment our expertise and broaden our existing business lines. Mr. Edison’s expertise in land-use economics will also help Willdan continue to expand our service offerings geographically."
About Willdan Financial Services
Willdan Financial Services specializes in providing economic and financial consulting, revenue generation and enhancement, and special district formation and administrative services to public agencies. WFS serves as an extension of its clients' staff, augmenting existing personnel by providing specialized expertise. WFS clients include more than 800 cities, counties, state agencies, port authorities, housing agencies, special districts, and school districts in more than 38 states in the United States.
