We conducted economic analysis of travel, congestion and other costs related to the Viaduct and Alaskan Way Seawall replacement alternatives. The analysis helped inform the regional debate about the role and value of the Viaduct in the economy, and served as an input to regional, state, and federal discussions about potential funding options. The study established a base of knowledge about the role of the Viaduct and Seawall; how that role relates to the local and state economy; and how the Viaduct as a transportation link relates to regional development patterns. Our research included interviews with stakeholders, consideration of the impacts of losing the Viaduct due to natural disasters, and socioeconomic factors to consider in evaluating transportation capacity replacement options. We also assessed case studies of Viaduct removal in cities across the U.S., analyzing economic development and urban vitality impacts in those communities.

In collaboration with Library staff, we designed, administered, and analyzed the results of a comprehensive, web-based and in-library patron survey. The survey analyzed information on evolving needs and preferences from more than 2,500 patrons. Survey findings were used to formulate strategic service recommendations for the Library, which formed the basis for successfully obtaining funding for enhanced hours and expanded materials purchasing. The survey findings also informed development of key messages about the Library for staffing, planning, and advocacy purposes.

We prepared an assessment of the economic impact of Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Northwest Trek, and the Seattle Aquarium. The analysis was conducted to provide supporting information to the State Legislature regarding the collective education, conservation, and economic impacts of Washington's zoos and aquaria.

For the Washington State Transportation Commission, we facilitated a large-scale outreach process to engage stakeholders in the State's freight and passenger rail systems and obtain their input on a Statewide rail needs and capacity assessment. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, we designed and facilitated regional listening forums across the State including sessions in Vancouver, Seattle, Pasco, Quincy, and Spokane. The sessions were planned and conducted in partnership with ports and economic development agencies in each community. The project involved creation of a comprehensive stakeholder contact and tracking database (2,000 stakeholders), interviews with key stakeholders, and responsibility for ongoing communication with stakeholders through a WSDOT project website, e-newsletters, and press releases.

At the request of the City, members of our Finance & Economics team reviewed the fiscal impact analysis prepared by the developer for the proposed Everett Riverfront Project development. Our review involved an assessment of the project's long-term fiscal impacts, including estimates of the City's costs and revenues generated by proposed new housing, retail, and other commercial development. Building on this assessment, we also prepared an investment analysis of the City's financial participation in the project. We presented both our fiscal impact and investment analysis reviews to the Everett City Council.

We assessed the economic effects of proposed alternatives as part of an EIS process for Snohomish County's Shoreline Management Program. Given resource limitations, a detailed analysis of the potential effects of proposed rule changes on all affected properties was not possible. A more efficient solution; and a solution that allowed decision makers to have a more complete picture of the overall nature of the economic effects; was to develop a series of illustrative examples of how proposed rule changes might affect specific types of properties and ripple through Snohomish County's economy. These examples assessed the types of effects that accompanied each alternative package, for a select number of property types (urban residential, commercial, agricultural, and rural residential). The goal of each example (and the examples collectively) was to assess the nature and distribution of effects, starting with a property-specific perspective, and then stepping back to assess effects on the community, the jurisdiction, the economic and fiscal health of Snohomish County, and finally, the broader Puget Sound region and the State.

The Poison Center is a non-profit, statewide agency with a public health, education and communications mission. We worked with the staff, the Board and a Strategic Planning Committee to develop a Five-Year Strategic Action Plan. The project involved stakeholder interviews, and a comprehensive situation assessment that summarizing the organization's internal and environmental strengths, challenges and opportunities. We also facilitated discussions by the Board of Directors related to the Plan's implications for Board governance, structure and organization.