We analyzed how a proposed downtown redevelopment project might serve as the centerpiece and catalyst for the City's downtown revitalization strategy. The study provided Kenmore with an analysis of potential fiscal benefits from the development and ongoing operation of this project, and an estimate of the range of potential long-term net revenues available for other City investments. We conducted analyses to show how the proposed redevelopment project could affect City operating, capital, and land-related costs and revenues, and how the redevelopment might support the City's longer-term fiscal sustainability. In addition to the immediate impacts of the proposed development, we also examined the ripple effects and potential impacts on developments in other downtown areas.

In 2007, both the Office of Financial Management and the Recreation and Conservation Office identified project delivery and completion as a current problem for the agency. We conducted research, documentation, and analysis of specific and systemic causes of RCO project delay, by type of program and funding source. Particular focus was given to examining grant manager workload, which was evaluated as a contributing factor to project timeliness, as well as assessing its impacts on overall organizational efficiency and staff morale. We conducted quantitative and qualitative database analysis; interviewed agency clients and stakeholders; conducted best practices research and analysis of models in use in other states and other grant programs; prepared a system assessment and recommendations; and draft and final reports.

We worked closely with KCLS staff, senior managers, and a diverse staff task force from across this complex organization to develop a Future Services Strategy. The Strategy identifies library services, delivery methods, and critical resources needed to adapt and respond to changing demographics, rapid technology advances, fiscal realities, and evolving patron needs and expectations. Strategy development was a highly collaborative process; we designed and facilitated a dozen task force meetings, five staff focus groups, four patron open houses, and a retreat session for the Board of Trustees. We also obtained broad patron and staff input on services and priorities through two online surveys, which we designed and analyzed. The result is a comprehensive, actionable, and flexible Future Services Strategy, which the Library System is using for work planning, resource allocation, and other management decision-making.

We studied the financial feasibility of incorporating a new City of Birch Bay in Whatcom County. We analyzed revenue streams that would be available to a City of Birch Bay, and the operating and capital costs the city government would face in the short and long-term. In addition, we conducted demographic and market analyses of the proposed incorporation area. The study included significant community involvement, including facilitation of an Incorporation Study Committee comprised of community members; a survey of residents' perspectives regarding governance and local needs; and two community forums designed and facilitated to enable residents to discuss the structure and findings of the assessment.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary planning team charged with developing a conceptual campus plan for key Nisqually tribal properties and a master plan for the entire reservation, we conducted a comprehensive market analysis. The analysis first focused on the scale and retail potential of Nisqually tribal properties, then looked beyond retail uses to assess the feasibility of potential economic opportunities for tribal properties.

We collaborated with the Chamber and the Capitol Hill Improvement District Steering Committee in launching a new effort to form a neighborhood Business Improvement Area ("the CHID"). We developed a Business Plan for the CHID, including proposed programs and services, governance, boundary, and accountability agreements. Research for the Business Plan included interviews with potential ratepayers, review of previous CHID efforts and data, and identification of best practices for BIAs locally and nationally. Our team also designed a new assessment methodology to directly align benefits with assessments. To support the petition validation effort, we developed a Communications Plan and key messages for outreach to property owners, and created attractive, concise materials describing the benefits of joining the CHID.