Case Studies
How DIRS partners with public agencies and community organizations to turn hard questions into clear, actionable answers.
Seattle Public Utilities
Economic Impact Analysis
Opportunity
SPU sought to better understand the economic and community impact of its Women and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (WMBE) contracting program. Beyond documenting contractor spending, SPU wanted to assess how WMBE participation contributes to regional economic activity — and understand participants' experiences navigating the contracting process.
Our approach
DIRS conducted a mixed-methods economic impact study combining quantitative economic modeling with qualitative stakeholder interviews.
Using the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis' Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS II), DIRS analyzed the direct, indirect, and induced economic effects of SPU's WMBE contractor spending. This analysis was complemented by in-depth interviews with WMBE prime contractors and subcontractors to better understand their contracting experiences, professional relationships, and the broader impacts on their businesses and communities.
Outcomes
The study helped SPU:
Quantify the regional economic impact of WMBE contractor spending
✓Better understand contractor experiences throughout the procurement process.
✓Identify opportunities to strengthen supplier diversity initiatives.
✓Inform future contracting strategies through data-driven insights.
The qualitative findings provided valuable insights into the WMBE community and opportunities to improve contractor experiences and outcomes. Margo's economic expertise and thoughtful partnership strengthened our analysis and sharpened our thinking throughout the project.
Seattle Public Utilities
Southeast Youth & Family Services
Theory of Change & Logic Model
Opportunity
Southeast Youth & Family Services (SEYFS) provides a wide range of mental health, early learning, and family support services designed to strengthen children, youth, and families. As the organization continued to grow, leadership sought a strategic framework to align programs, clarify outcomes, and better communicate impact.
Our approach
SEYFS partnered with Dynamic & Innovative Research Solutions (DIRS) to develop a Theory of Change and Logic Model that would align programs, clarify intended outcomes, and create a shared roadmap for strategic planning, evaluation, and future funding efforts.
Together, these tools created a practical framework for strategic planning, evaluation, and stakeholder communication.
Outcomes
The new framework helps SEYFS:
Align programs around shared outcomes.
✓Strengthen grant and funding efforts.
✓Support ongoing evaluation and improvement.
✓Clearly communicate community impact.
Working with DIRS was transformative for both my team and I. The logic model and theory of change model were important tools in helping us communicate what we do, how we do it and the impact we make.
Anthony Austin, Executive Director, Southeast Youth & Family Services
POST 84
Theory of Change & Logic Model
Opportunity
POST 84 provides accessible outdoor education experiences designed to build environmental awareness, leadership, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging among high school students. The organization needed a clear framework to connect its programs and resources to measurable outcomes and long-term community impact.
Our approach
DIRS partnered with POST 84 to develop a Theory of Change and comprehensive Logic Model connecting the organization's mission, resources, activities, and intended outcomes.
The frameworks captured both program goals and the external conditions influencing POST 84's work, creating practical tools for planning, evaluation, and communicating impact.
Outcomes
The new framework helps POST 84:
Align programs around shared outcomes.
✓Define measures of youth growth and engagement.
✓Strengthen evaluation and organizational planning.
✓Clearly communicate community and environmental impact.
From our initial connection with Gillian through our work with Chris, the DIRS team was responsive and wonderful to work with. Chris brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and attention to detail, taking the time to understand POST 84 and apply his expertise to our unique programs and processes.
POST 84
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