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This Financial Analysis section covers economics associated with site revitalization including: Financial Management and Controls, Market Analysis, Economic Risk Analysis, Estimating Economic Viability, Lender Issues, Investor Issues, Key Financial Indicators, Information and Advisory Services, Long Term Economic Impacts, and Resources and Tools. In many respects, the economics of the site revitalization are similar to that of any revitalization project, but with somewhat different site preparation (and possibly long-term maintenance) requirements. The Example Site Preparation Costs Exhibit summarizes the differences between revitalization of potentially contaminated sites versus greenfields.

Stakeholders should keep in mind that, in some cases, greenfield issues are also considerations for site revitalization. For example, soil stability at a potentially contaminated site may still need to be considered depending on the ultimate reuse of the site.

Since revitalization projects are not generally self-financed, two primary financial concepts are used to address the financial impact of revitalization projects: debt and equity. Debt is borrowed funds and includes the remediation loan, construction loan, and a permanent loan. Equity includes the developer's financial and sweat equity stake, government grants, limited partners' equity, and funds from national brownfields funds. The developer can get a higher rate of return by leveraging their own funds. Leverage increases the rate of return and decreases exposure and risk (Davis, 1997). Insurance is another available tool that can be used to manage the financial uncertainty of the project. More information on insurance is provided in Liability. The risks and rewards of debt and equity are presented in the Debt Versus Equity as a Financial Tool Exhibit.