Matthew Rivas

Senior Analyst

Based in HR&A’s New York office, Matthew’s work centers on the intersection of economic development policy, real estate strategy, parks and open space planning, and political transition support for clients across the country.

Since joining HR&A, he has led and supported the allocation of more than $20 million in grant funding for quality of life and downtown revitalization through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward programs. Matthew’s economic development work includes advising the City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion on a multi-year economic development planning effort and developing a strategic plan for the Bronx Economic Development Corporation to guide its next phase of organizational growth. He has also helped shape programming, funding, and governance strategies for the reimagining of Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol and the White House, and supported the design and implementation of a national challenge to scale clean energy retrofits in low- and moderate-income housing markets.

Additional project work includes evaluating financial strategies and redevelopment options for large-scale food distribution centers in New York City and Washington, DC; assessing energy assistance programs for low-income and energy-burdened households in Washington State; supporting a national initiative coordinating cross-sector networks responding to humanitarian and political crises; and analyzing city parks department operations to inform maintenance best practices.

Matthew brings with him prior work experience advising business improvement districts, providing economic policy consulting for municipalities, conducting policy research with community development financial institutions, and in both public and private commercial real estate development.

Matthew holds a Master of City Planning and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, where he collaborated on a climate resilience plan for St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and contributed to a growth strategy for Philadelphia’s first commercial land trust.