Urban economist & swiftie
Joshua Baum
Joshua Baum is the Principal of Hilgard Analytics, a mission-driven real estate and economic development research firm founded in 2020. An urban economist by training, they lead a practice that specializes in data-driven research and strategic analytics to help public agencies, private organizations, and nonprofit institutions make informed decisions and design long-term solutions.
Welcome
Welcome to Joshua Baum's online portfolio. Here, you can explore a curated collection of projects, delve into work experience, and reach out to connect. Whether you're interested in urban planning, economic research, or community engagement, this is your gateway to Josh's professional journey.
About Joshua
Joshua Baum is the Principal of Hilgard Analytics, a mission-driven real estate and economic development research firm founded in 2020. An urban economist by training, they lead a practice that specializes in data-driven research and strategic analytics to help public agencies, private organizations, and nonprofit institutions make informed decisions and design long-term solutions.
At Hilgard Analytics, Baum oversees all aspects of firm operations — from project delivery and strategic planning to staff and contractor management and business development. They lead a diverse portfolio of work, including real estate market analyses, workforce development studies, and economic impact studies to inform public policy and investment strategy. As an urban economist, they focus on translating complex data into actionable insights that drive economic growth, support community development, and deliver measurable impact.
Hilgard Analytics has partnered with high-profile clients including the Hollywood Partnership, Urban Land Institute, and the City of Los Angeles, and has produced research that informs decision-making at the California State Legislature, Los Angeles City Council, and LA County Board of Supervisors. Baum is also a recognized industry expert, with insights featured in media outlets such as Urbanize LA, The Real Deal, and Westside Current.
Before committing full-time to Hilgard Analytics in 2025, they held project leadership roles with the City of Fort Worth’s Economic Development Department, the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Beacon Economics. These roles deepened their expertise in economic impact studies, workforce analysis, labor market strategy, and urban economic development — contributing to initiatives that supported industry growth and regional resilience.
A Double Bruin, Baum earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) from UCLA. Their work is grounded in a commitment to using research and data to address complex challenges at the intersection of economics, planning, and community well-being.
Experience
Principal
Hilgard Analytics
Founded and lead Hilgard Analytics, a mission-driven real estate and economic development research firm that leverages data to help clients address current challenges and shape strategic, long-term solutions.
Economic Development Specialist
City of Fort worth
Directed strategic research initiatives to inform citywide economic development, industry recruitment, and growth planning, delivering data-driven insights that shaped policy and investment decisions across multiple departments.
Research Analyst
western states regional council of carpenters
Led strategic research initiatives that shaped labor strategy, contract negotiations, and legislative advocacy, contributing to worker wage increases and supporting the successful passage of key legislation—including SB 9, which secured critical stakeholder support and was signed into law by the Governor.
Research Associate
Beacon economics
Led research initiatives for public, private, and nonprofit clients across California, delivering economic, housing, demographic, and impact analyses to inform strategic planning, policy development, and investment decisions.
