Matthew Rivas

Analyst

Matthew’s research and analytical work guide economic development projects that create more vibrant and equitable cities.

Based in HR&A’s New York office, Matthew’s work centers on the intersection of community economic development, small businesses support, and real estate development advising. He brings with him work experience in Philadelphia and New York City advising business improvement districts’ responses to the pandemic, in economic policy consulting, policy research with community development financial institutions, and both public and private commercial real estate.

During his time at the University of Pennsylvania, Matthew completed his graduate studio on a climate change resiliency plan for the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. He also collaborated with Philadelphia’s first commercial land trust to create a set of metrics tracking economic and cultural displacement in the Kensington neighborhood’s commercial corridor, as well as a set of steps to mitigate the effects of these changes.