His research focuses on the role of labor market institutions in fostering greater equity at the urban and metropolitan level. He is an expert on the impact of minimum wage and living wage policies on urban economic development. Lester employs quantitative and qualitative methods drawn from the fields of labor economics, political science, and regional development. While his research on the minimum wage and living wage has garnered national attention—including a mention in the State of the Union address—he continues to broaden his research agenda within the field of economic development.