Public sector

Strategic Planning Services, Seattle Housing Authority

Assisting in developing a five-year strategic plan for the largest public housing agency in the Pacific Northwest. (2009 - present)

Results: In progress.

Grant Writing, Public Health - Seattle & King County

Assisted in developing two multimillion dollar grant applications to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in the field of nutrition, and one in smoking cessation. (2009)

Results: Both grant applications succeeded in winning CDC grants. Public Health - Seattle King County, in turn, awarded grants in July 2010 totalling $8.9 million to fund projects of school districts, community-based organizations and local governments that will improve nutrition and physical activity, and decrease tobacco use and exposure.

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Children’s Health Program (Apple Health for Kids), Public Health - Seattle & King County

Worked with a coalition, including Solid Ground and the Children’s Alliance, to advance legislation to provide universal health coverage for children in Washington. Continue to help implement the bill. The innovative model rolls together one state and three federal programs to expand health care for children, link them to a “medical home,” and tie future rate increases for health care providers to their performance using evidence based preventive practices. (2007 - present)

Results: The legislature passed a landmark bill in 2007 committing the state to the goal of universal health coverage for children. The program, Apple Health for Kids, covers children whose family incomes are up to 300 percent of poverty, now providing health care to 47 percent of children in the state. In spite of the necessity for the state to make dramatic budget cuts in 2010, the Apple Health program continues to be in good health.

Homeless Family Plan, Pierce County

Facilitated a group of 17 stakeholders in developing a plan to end family homelessness in Pierce County. The project steering committee was asked to identify the extent of family homelessness in the county and the services currently available, and to develop a set of strategies to address the needs and an implementation plan. (2009 - present)

Results: In progress. Target completion date is mid-2010.

Seattle Community Farm and Good Food Project

Worked with Seattle City Council, Solid Ground, Clean Greens Farm and Market, Seattle Tilth, Public Health - Seattle & King County, and Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association to develop a proposal for a USDA Community Food Projects grant. Facilitated meetings; helped partners shape the proposal and identify sources of match; compiled and edited narrative and budgets; created logic model; and submitted application on Grants.gov. (2009)

Results: USDA awarded full funding. Work is underway to prepare the land and have a first planting. The official opening is expected in fall 2010.

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Senior Housing Needs Assessment, Aging and Disability Services (Seattle and King County)

For a group of public agencies, researched the need for low-income senior housing to 2025, and developed strategies to fill the needs for housing and supportive services. Researched demographics, forecasts and models from across the country for suportive housing for low-income seniors. Prepared a report and presentation materials. (2008 - 2009)

Results: The cooperating Seattle and King County agencies released the report at the February 19, 2009, opening of King County Housing Authority’s Nia senior housing complex. The agencies are using the report to champion new approaches to meet the coming tidal wave of need for low-income senior housing and support services.

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Benefits of Building Green at High Point, Seattle Housing Authority, Enterprise Community Partners, Neighborhood House

Studied the “green” features of High Point public housing community from three angles: (1) costs and benefits of the sustainability features; (2) the impact on residents’ attitudes and behaviors regarding conservation; and (3) the impact of public policies on both housing authorities and residents to conserve. (See report.) Conducted cost-benefit analyses, focus groups in four languages, a telephone survey, and policy analysis. (2007 - 2009)

Results: Study proposes a new paradigm to get the most out of sustainability features in public housing. Neighborhood House is following up with community organizing to increase residents’ participation in conservation. The study was cited by Enterprise Community Partners as contributing to their decision to make a $4 billion investment in green building.

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Pierce County Housing Affordability Task Force

Serve as facilitator for the Task Force, which was directed by the Pierce County Council to develop housing strategies for all economic segments of the population, particularly for low-income residents. Researched the need for affordable housing, the challenges to create affordable housing for each population group, and strategies used in jurisdictions nationwide. The Task Force developed a strong consensus on a range of strategies and priorities. After the County Council approved these recommendations, the Task Force developed detailed recommendations for a program that would offer financial and regulatory incentives to private and nonprofit developers for providing affordable housing. The Task Force also developed recommendations for county policies on conversion of manufactured housing parks. (2005 - present)

Results: The Task Force’s recommendations were unanimously approved by the Pierce County Council, and were incorporated into the county’s Comprehensive Plan Housing Policies. The Task Force report with specific strategy recommendations received a Puget Sound Regional Council Vision 2020 Award for 2008 (see link). The County Council is now reviewing the Task Force’s  development incentives proposal.

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Casa Latina Good Neighbor Agreement

Worked with the City of Seattle, Casa Latina and the community surrounding Casa Latina’s proposed location at 17th & Jackson to develop a mutually satisfactory agreement regarding Casa Latina’s program activities to take place at that site. (2007)
Results: The Good Neighbor Agreement was approved in November 2007. See news article.

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Seattle City Council Parks and Green Spaces Citizens’ Advisory Committee

Retained by the Seattle City Council to assist the work of the Committee in formulating a potential Parks Levy package for the November 2008 election.   Cedar River Group’s responsibilities included: facilitating Committee and public outreach meetings; research on multiple City adopted planning documents; and assisting the Committee with Levy themes and project selection criteria to formulate a list of potential Levy projects, and to submit a final report with findings to the Seattle City Council — all on a conmpressed five-month timeline. (2008)
Results: The Committee submitted a report recommending a Parks and Green Spaces Levy project package for City Council review and approval. The Levy was placed on the November 4, 2008, ballot and passed with 60 percent voter support. 

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King County Auditor

Assisted King County Auditor’s Office in developing best practices to evaluate the Facilities Management Division (FMD) of King County. Conducted four FMD case studies to see how well the FMD and the County conformed to best practices in capital project planning, legislative oversight, and property management. Examined FMD and Council project documents, and interviewed FMD staff, Council staff and building stakeholders. (2007 - 2008)
Results: Prepared four reports for the Auditor’s use in the audit of FMD. Presented audit results to the King County Council in February 2008.  

Tacoma Housing Authority

Planned and facilitated Board retreats for the Tacoma Housing Authority. Worked with staff to develop agendas, identify key issues during retreats, and provide brief summaries.  (2006)
Results: Facilitated two Board retreats that addressed key issues for the organization.

ARCH - A Regional Coaltion for Housing

ARCH is a group of East King County cities created to develop common approaches to provide affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families.  Conducted research on affordable housing strategies, and planned and facilitated three workshops with ARCH member cities and area developers to create a consensus on strategies for developing new affordable housing. (2007)
Results: ARCH members reached agreement on a set of priority strategies for creating additional low- and moderate-income affordable housing in East King County.

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Washington State Ferries Financing Study - Joint Transportation Commission, Washington State Legislature

Conducting a major ferry financing study to facilitate policy discussions and decisions by the legislature. Washington State Ferries is at a financial crossroads, with declining ridership as fares have increased since the loss of motor vehicle excise tax funding. The legislature is faced with the daunting challenge of providing funding to preserve existing service levels and system infrastructure, while being asked by Washington State Ferries to provide funding for an ambitious 25-year strategic plan. Cedar River Group worked with Senate and House Transportation Committees’ staff to recommend a ferry finance model to frame legislative discussions that incorporates reviews of ferry ridership projections, level-of-service standards, and pricing and operating strategies. Recommended major modifications in the terminal capital improvement program and in the Washington State Transportation Commission’s fare setting procedures and policies. (2006 - Present)

Results:  The Legislature passed and the Governor signed a bill in 2007 to implement the study’s recommendations, and commissioned further work on capital planning. In 2008 the Legislature passed and the Governor signed a bill based on Cedar River’s new work on vessel and terminal planning, setting requirements for vessel capital and maintenance planning, and terminal improvement plans. 

Blanchard Forest Strategies Group, WA State Dept. of Natural Resources

Facilitated negotiations regarding the management of 4,800 acres owned and managed by DNR at the northern boundary of Skagit County. The negotiation included individuals representing a broad range of interests, including: recreation, environmental, timber industry, civic leaders, Skagit County, and DNR. (2006 – 2007)
Results: The group successfully reached consensus on recommendations that have been approved by the Commissioner of Public Lands. The Washington State Legislature allocated funding to implement the recommendations.

Alignment of Benchmarks and Goals for Washington State’s Transportation System, Joint Transportation Committee, Washington State Legislature

With Lund Consulting, Inc., assisted staff from the governor’s office, legislature, Department of Transportation and Transportation Commission to develop legislation implementing the recommendations of the Transportation Goals, Benchmarks and Ten-Year Investment Criteria report adopted by the Transportation Performance Audit Board in December 2005. (2006 - 2007)
Results: The 2007 Legislature passed and the Governor signed into law a bill that clarifies the goals, objectives and responsibilities for transportation agencies. This law is the first major revision to state transportation goals since 2001 and requires a biennial progress report.

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A Strategy to Protect Low-Income Housing, WA State Housing Finance Commission

Developed and led stakeholder outreach to gather opinions on the Commission’s proposal to establish a Low-Income Housing Preservation Program. Prepared a newsletter, and conducted a written survey and five facilitated discussions with stakeholders throughout the state. (2002)
Results: Stakeholders’ input informed staff and Commission decisions on the program.

Sound Transit Expert Review Panel, WA State Dept. of Transportation

Served as the administrator for the Sound Transit Expert Review Panel, appointed by the Governor and State Legislature. The Panel was charged with reviewing and commenting on the key methodologies and assumptions used by Sound Transit in preparing the next capital program submitted to the voters for approval - Sound Transit Phase 2 (known as ST2). The Panel reviewed methodologies regarding: ridership forecasts; cost estimating for capital construction, and maintenance and operations; financial plans and forecasts; selection of mode choices; and route alignments. (2005 - 2008)
Results: The Panel issued a series of findings on Sound Transit’s work in preparing recommendations for ST2. Voters in the three-county Sound Transit district approved the ST2 ballot measure in November 2008 by a 57 percent margin. View link ›

Early Learning Benchmarks Advisory Group, WA State Dept. of Social and Health Services

Facilitated meetings of the citizen Advisory Panel for the Washington Early Learning and Development Benchmarks, and of the interagency team coordinating the project. (2004 - 2005)
Results: The Benchmarks are a source book for parents, child care providers and teachers on a voluntary basis to help prepare young children for success in school and in life, and meet a requirement of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. View link ›

Blanchard Mountain Study of Social, Ecological & Financial Values, WA State Dept. of Natural Resources

Led a study of the social, ecological and financial values of 4,287 acres of Forest Board Lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources on Blanchard Mountain in Skagit County. (2002)
Results: The study is being used to guide management decisions on Blanchard Mountain.

Civil Engineering Workshop, University of Washington

Facilitated a workshop of national experts attempting to develop new strategies to solve problems associated with the release of ballast water from ships traveling between international ports. (2003)
Results: Prepared a report for use with federal agencies interested in finding solutions to this challenging issue.

Burke Museum Strategic and Business Plan, University of Washington

Assisted The Burke in the creation of a new strategic plan and five-year business plan. The plan included programmatic and physical expansion as well as identifying new revenue sources. (2002 - 2003)
Results: The plan called for expansion of the temporary gallery, which was completed in 2004. Other aspects of the plan are also being followed, including relocation of the bookstore and revitalization of the relationship with the Burke Museum Association.

Pathways to Prosperity, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

Developed a 10-year plan to reduce poverty. Plan includes immediate measures, such as campaigns to increase participation in the Earned Income and Child Care Tax Credit Programs, and longer-range strategies, such as a major housing initiative and creation of a Tribal power utility to develop the Reservation’s wind and geothermal resources. (2005 - 2006)
Results: Tribal government chartered a new community development organization to implement the Pathways Plan. Northwest Area Foundation announced a 10-year, $10 million grant to the Turtle Mountain Band to help implement the Plan.

Board Staffing, Transportation Performance Audit Board

Provided transition staffing to the Board, which closed operations June 30, 2006, to transfer audit responsibilities to the State Auditor. (2006)
Results: Two reports issued by TPAB: (1) Washington State Department of Transportation Capital Project Delivery Reporting - Transportation Working Group Report, March 30, 2006; and (2) Review of Port Angeles Graving Dock Project, June 30, 2006.

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Transportation Goals, Benchmarks and Ten-Year Investment Criteria and Process, Transportation Performance Audit Board

Conducted study with Lund Consulting, Inc., and made recommendations relating to the goals, benchmarks, investment criteria and performance measures in state law relative to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Recommended creation of a tiered approach to performance measures, investment criteria and investment planning that links the goals of the state transportation system to the Statewide Priorities of Government. (2005 - 2006)
Results: The report was adopted by the Transportation Performance Audit Board and reviewed with the appropriate legislative committees in the 2006 legislative session. Follow-up work on behalf of the State Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee has resulted in revisions to the transportation law  clarifying goals, objectives and responsibilities of transportation agencies (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2007-08/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202007/5412-S.SL.pdf). In 2008, the Office of Financial Management started reporting progress on these goals.

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Link Light Rail Project Review, Sound Transit

Provided staffing and analytic support for Sound Transit’s Light Rail Project Review Committee. Reviewed financial projections and policies of the agency for the light rail project. (2001)
Results: Committee recommendation to start building south was adopted by the Sound Transit Board, and was instrumental in turning around the Light Rail project.

Snohomish County Parks Marketing Plan, Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Department

Developed the agency’s first marketing plan to increase net revenues, develop fee structures and provide programming recommendations for a new community center. (2003)
Results: Recommended marketing and outreach program being implemented in Snohomish County.

Sand Point Magnuson Park Wetland Review, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Led a planning charrette and other activities to provide public involvement in the design for the Sand Point Magnuson Park wetland and habitat project. (1997 - 2001)
Results: Master plan for the restoration of wetlands at the park complete; development began in 2008.  View link ›

Sand Point Magnuson Park Outdoor Learning Laboratory, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Assessed the level of interest for educational programming, examined staffing and infrastructure needs, explored potential funding sources, and recommeneded how the implementation of educational programming could mesh with other park uses. Coordinated a project steering committee; surveyed environmental education programs in the region; conducted focus groups with potential park users. (2002 - 2003)
Results: Education programs have continued at Sand Point Magnuson Park and are currently run through the Burke Museum. 

Sand Point Magnuson Park Partnerships, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Developed strategies to market the historic district buildings to create partnerships with potential tenants. Drafted Request for Proposals for sports partners. (2003 - 2004)
Results: The Seattle City Council approved long-term leases with: the Mountaineers; Arena Sports; Civic Light Opera; and a private recreation group who will create an indoor sports facility, a boating facility, a tennis center, improvements to the community center theatre, and other amenities. In total, more than $25 million of private funding well be invested into the park.  View link ›

Financing Options, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Helped Seattle Parks and Recreation examine ways to increase earned income, including parking fees and class fees. (2004)
Results: The agency decided not to impose parking fees but did create a new division charged with improving earned income.

Indian Cultural Center at Discovery Park, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Facilitated negotiations between the City of Seattle Parks Department and United Indians of All Tribes Foundation to find a solution to develop an Indian Cultural Center at Discovery Park. For nearly a decade, local neighborhood organizations had opposed creation of the structure. (2000 - 2002)

Results: Approval by the City Council, United Indians board, and local neighborhood groups of an alternative design for the center.

Strategic Plan for Recreation Services, Associated Recreation Council, Seattle Parks and Recreation

Facilitator and consultant for development of the first strategic plan for recreation services for the partnership between the Associated Recreation Council (ARC) - a nonprofit organization with 37 member Advisory Councils - and Seattle Parks and Recreation. Re-structured the partnership, and conducted customer surveys and financial planning for the delivery of programs at 24 community centers, three environmental learning centers, three citywide programs, and two arts and culture facilities throughout Seattle. (2004 - 2007)
Results: Successful adoption of a strategic plan and revitalization of this key partnership. Changes include improvements in child care programs through the creation of a new division in ARC, changed bylaws for ARC, and the development of a revised agreement between ARC and Seattle Parks and Recreation.

Sound Families, Seattle Office of Housing

Worked with the City of Seattle and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a proposal for a sustaining fund to assist formerly homeless families in transitional housing. Researched funding options, conducted key-person interviews, and reviewed best practices nationwide. (2002 - 2004)
Results: State Legislature approved the plan in 2004, and appropriated more than $2 million to start the Fund.

Human Services Fund, Seattle Housing Authority

Developed, together with the Collins Group, strategies for funding human services in public housing, in the wake of federal funding reductions. Developed a case statement demonstrating that HOPE VI projects generate new revenue for state and local government, so that SHA could seek funding in other forums. (2005)
Results: SHA is now using this case statement with city government and the legislature.

Building a Sustainable Community at High Point, Seattle Housing Authority

Created a model of health and environmental quality in a HOPE VI Project. Devised financing strategies and developed grant proposals to redevelop the federal High Point Housing Project as a healthy and sustainable community. (2002 - 2006)
Results: Proposals won nearly $2 million in funding.

Protecting Seattle’s Infrastructure, Seattle Department of Finance

Led a team in reviewing the City of Seattle’s capital major maintenance funding practices, and best practices from other jurisdictions, to make recommendations for improving major maintenance. (2002)
Results: Revised City approach to more accurately project major maintenance funding needs.

Consistency in Construction Communication, Seattle City Light, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Public Utilities

Conduct surveys and facilitated discussions to assess public satisfaction with the construction communication practices of three City departments; established performance measures; report on compliance with performance goals. (2002 - Present)
Results: Improved communication of construction information; ongoing monitoring of performance.

The Governance of Redmond, Redmond City Council

Assisted the City Council in determining whether to change the structure of city government. Staffed a citizen committee; studied trends in growth, transportation and municipal finance; assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the mayor-council and council-manager forms of government. (2002)

Affordable Housing Task Force, Pierce County and City of Tacoma

Facilitate a committee appointed by the County Executive and County Council to create strategies that will increase the supply of affordable housing in Pierce County. Committee members include builders, developers, low-income housing advocates, realtors, bankers, housing authority representatives, planning commission members, County Council members, and representatives of mobile home interests. (2005 - Present)
Results: The Task Force has developed recommendations that are being reviewed by the Executive and Council. 

Tacoma Narrows Airport, Pierce County

Facilitated negotiations involving the City of Tacoma, Pierce County, and residents from the Gig Harbor Peninsula to find solutions for development of the Tacoma Narrows Airport. The parties had been involved in a 25-year dispute that involved numerous legal actions. (2003 - 2004)
Results: Achieved a resolution of this long-standing controversy, with an agreement approved unanimously by the City and County Councils.

Report to the Community, Municipal Court of Seattle

Developed a Report to the Community describing the court’s achievements, for distribution to elected officials, the legal profession, businesses and community-based agencies. (2001)
Results: The Court has used this report to highlight the innovative ways it is delivering court services.

Project Lift-Off, King County Children & Family Commission, Seattle Human Services Department, United Way of King County

Incubated and staffed Project Lift-Off Center and partnership to build a network of high-quality early education and after-school programs to help Seattle and King County children and youth succeed. Developed funding strategies, led community education, promoted work of Action Teams. (2000 - 2004)
Results: Project improved the quality of early care/education and after-school programs serving more than 23,000 children and youth.

Conserving Jefferson County Natural Areas, Jefferson County

Staffed the Jefferson County Conservation Futures Advisory Committee to create a program for acquisition of natural areas and open space in the county. Prepared recommendations for the County Commissioners regarding implementation of the state-authorized conservation futures tax (CFT) to create an open space acquisition fund. (2001)
Results: Created a Conservation Futures program that was approved by the County Commission and is being used to acquire high-priority open space lands.

Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, City of Tacoma

Conducted financial analysis of operations of the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, owned by the City of Tacoma and operated by a nonprofit. Assisted in financial reviews leading to issuance of a Request for Proposals for operation of the Center. (2005)
Results: Increased understanding of financial status of the Center. City developed a revised agreement with the nonprofit organization.

Heritage Credits Program. City of Burlington

Created a transfer of development rights (TDR) program to both redevelop Burlington’s downtown, and preserve surrounding farmland. In this streamlined TDR program, housing and commercial developers can buy “heritage credits,” which the city uses to buy development rights to preserve farmland. (2005 - 2006)

Results: City Council unanimously adopted the proposal and rezoned the downtown accordingly. Cedar River Group is now assisting the city in negotiating a two-tier zoning plan.

Bellevue Business Recycling & Conservation Guide, City of Bellevue

Created key messages and communication materials to educate local businesses on ways to recycle, conserve resources and dispose of hazardous waste. (2001)
Results: The resulting Guide received two “Awards for Excellence” from the Society for Technical Communication Puget Sound Chapter.