Client:   Tri-Cities Development Council (Kennewick, Washington)

Project:   Tri-Cities Innovation Zone Study   (Completed September 2006)

In response to a request from the Washington Department of Commerce Trade and Economic Development, C. Mark Smith & Associates prepared a study suggesting statewide criteria for a proposed new state Innovation Zone Program.   The study also detailed the characteristics of a proposed innovation zone in the Tri-Cities.   The report was used by the state as the basis for proposed legislation which has passed the Washington Legislature.

Client:   City of West Richland, Washington

Project:   Survey of Stakeholder Attitudes Concerning the Creation of an Economic Development Capacity for the City of West Richland   (Completed February 2007)

The City of West Richland had never had a formal economic development effort, previously conducting economic development through a patchwork of city, volunteer and local utility efforts.   The study interviewed 24 community stakeholders to determine attitudes about past practices and future directions, concluding with a list of specific recommendations for future action.

Client: Tri-Cities Oversight Committee (Representing the Cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland, Washington)

Project:   Study of Potential Regional Centers   (Completed March 2007)

C. Mark Smith & Associates served as a sub-contractor to E. D. Hovee & Company in a study to identify potential regional public facilities projects in the Tri-Cities area that are too large for any one city to undertake by themselves.   The study identified and evaluated18 potential regional facilities, recommended project and site selection criteria, and alternative organizational and funding options.   The study involved significant public involvement, including 53 stakeholder interviews, a series of three community meetings and additional e-mail and letter responses developed by the Tri-City Herald.

Client:   Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development

Project:   Economic Development Element for Cities of Quincy & George and the Port of Quincy. (Study completed June 2007)

C. Mark Smith & Associates served as a sub-contractor to E. D. Hovee & Company with a project currently underway to prepare economic development elements for the Comprehensive Plans of the Cities of Quincy and George and an economic development strategy for the Port of Quincy. Located in Grant County, Washington. Quincy is a rural farming community undergoing rapid change due to the construction of major data centers by Microsoft, Yahoo! and Intuit. George is situated near a regionally recognized amphitheater entertainment venue on the Columbia River.

Client:  Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development

Project:  Downtown Revitalization Strategy for the City of Kahlotus.   (Completed June 2007)

C. Mark Smith & Associates served as a sub-contractor to E. D. Hovee & Company with a project currently underway to prepare downtown revitalization strategy for the City of Kahlotus.   Like many communities throughout the state of Washington, the City of Kahlotus is vitally interested in the revitalization of its economic base and, in particular historic downtown.   The success of the downtown core is of great importance because it stands as a visible symbol of the economic health and image of the community.

Client:  Port of Benton

Project:  Tri-Cities Innovation Zone Grant Application (Completed September 2007)

C. Mark Smith & Associates was retained to prepare a grant application and associated materials, including a Memorandum of Understanding and a Business Plan, to the Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development for designation and $1 million in funding under the state's new Innovation Partnership Zone program. C. Mark Smith & Associates had written an earlier study of a potential innovation zone in the Tri-Cities for the Tri-Cities Development Council which served as much of the basis for the state legislation.

Client:  Battelle Memorial Institute-Pacific Northwest Division

Project:  Potential Funding of Tri-Cities Research District Projects (Completed September 2007)

C. Mark Smith & Associates was retained to determine potential sources of funding for a list of potential projects suggested by the Tri-Cities Research District partners. The report provides a general overview and background of each project and provides information about potential funding sources, including the anticipated or probable applicant as well as other information including: 1) contact information; 2) eligible activities; 3) application process and timing; 4) local match or other requirements; 5) potential available funding; and 6) an assessment of the probability of success.

Client:  Tri-Cities Oversight Committee (Representing the Cities of Pasco, Kennewick and Richland, Washington)

Project:  Study of Potential Regional Centers - Phase II   (Study in Progress)  

C. Mark Smith & Associates is a sub-contractor to E. D. Hovee & Company in a follow-on study to identify potential regional public facilities projects in the Tri-Cities area that are too large for any one city to undertake by themselves.   This phase of the study will define elements of a model Interlocal Agreement to serve as the basis for future development, evaluate management structure options, and develop a template designed to assist the cities to evaluate, project siting, financing, operational and construction funding and opportunities for public-private partnerships.  

Client:  City of Covington, Washington

Project:  Prepare an Economic Development Element for the City of Covington Comprehensive Plan (Starting February, 2008)

The City of Covington is one of the new, fast-growing cities near Seattle, Washington. C. Mark Smith & Associates is teamed with E. D. Hovee & Company and Barney & Worth, Inc. to develop a new Economic Development Element for the City's Comprehensive Plan.   The project will involve economic research, SWOT analysis, development of potential options, and substantial public participation.   The economic development element will serve as the basis of a new economic development work program that will guide the efforts of new city economic development staff to be hired within the next six months. C. Mark Smith will serve as project manager for this assignment.

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