Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, Berk participated in development of the first-ever Strategic Plan for Region 6 (King County). We conducted more than 60 stakeholder interviews, and helped identify the key strategic issues facing the Region. The resulting Plan has guided homeland security funding and collaboration among all jurisdictions and organizations in King County. Following Plan adoption, we assisted with its implementation by coordinating key entities. We also supported the Region's development of a funding approach for homeland security grants using the Strategic Plan as a screening mechanism.

We conducted interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders to inform development of a Region 6 Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan. Berk was responsible for identifying key findings and themes for inclusion in the Plan, and we participated in outreach efforts to gain feedback and create a Final Plan with broad buy-in. Our team also facilitated the Healthcare Systems small group discussion at the Region 6 Critical Infrastructure Interdependency Forum.

For more than five years, we provided the State Department of Health with program evaluation, financial analysis, and facilitation services for the finance element of the Public Health Improvement Plan (PHIP). Our work supported the PHIP's Finance Committee, a group of local and state public health professionals and policymakers focused on improving the public health funding system in Washington. The project included analysis of program funding options, examination of state and local revenues and expenditures, and the development of policy questions, models, and recommendations for system improvements. In 2005, we prepared an overarching analysis and briefing paper on the challenges and choices facing the state's system for financing local public health. The paper was delivered to members of the State Legislature's Joint Select Committee on Public Health Financing.

Our Plan analyzed TREK's current financial and market situation to position the park for long-term sustainability. The park serves multiple roles: it is an environmental education facility, a wildlife Conservation Center, a wildlife research facility, and a regional recreation attraction for families and other visitors. The Plan provided context and input into TREK's broader master planning effort, including an assessment of the facility's market position and marketing strategies, current and potential partnerships, capital investment needs, and new programmatic and exhibit options. The Plan was based on demographic and attendance analysis, historic operating and capital financial analysis, and targeted business strategy development.

Working with staff from the Seattle Public Library, Washington State Library, and the Talking Book and Braille Library, we prepared a comprehensive analysis of the governance and administrative options available for Library operation. The institution is one of 57 Talking Book and Braille libraries in the country. It is located in downtown Seattle and managed under contract by staff from the Seattle Public Library. The study included a detailed situation assessment, and research into multiple operating and program options, and policy analysis.

We developed a revenue model to estimate and analyze the revenue capacity available as a result of the formation of a business improvement district (BID) in historic downtown Renton. The BID would help fund streetscape and other improvements to enhance the economic vitality of the downtown. We developed assessment scenarios to analyze various rate and revenue alternatives within a variety of geographic zones, and researched and analyzed successful business district financial models across the State. Our findings helped inform City staff conversations with the business community and the City Council.

In 2004-05 we analyzed changes in revenues the City would receive if "streamlining" rule changes were passed by the Washington Legislature. The proposed rule changes would shift the "location of sale" for purposes of collecting retail sales taxes on delivered goods. The analysis assessed areas where rule changes would result in losses and gains to the City given its business mix. The result of the analysis was a forecast of net revenue impacts to the City in future years. This analysis has helped position the City for implementation of sales tax streamlining law changes, which were approved by the State Legislature in the 2007 session, effective July 1, 2008.