Insights

Greene Economics and Confluence Environmental Company evaluated economic potential for seaweed aquaculture in Washington for Maritime Blue. The analysis identified targeted investments in processing, permitting, and markets to support long-term regional development.

Greene Economics developed ecological performance standards for Spokane’s University District, using historical ecology and ecosystem services to guide regenerative urban growth. The framework sets targets for twelve ecosystem services—from aquifer recharge to native vegetation restoration—so future projects can restore, rather than deplete, the district’s ecological assets.

Greene Economics has been selected to evaluate the return on investment of a statewide habitat restoration program led by Point Blue Conservation Science. The analysis will quantify ecological, economic, and social outcomes to better understand the full value of restoration investments.

With nearly 70% of America's 84,000 dams over 50 years old, communities face decisions about aging infrastructure and river restoration. Greene Economics will analyze the economic impacts of dams and benefits of removal for Resources Legacy Fund's Open Rivers Fund, covering cost savings, property values, jobs, recreation, fisheries, public safety, and equity impacts. The study will guide decision-making for policymakers, practitioners, and advocates across the American West.

How can public lands generate new revenue while advancing climate goals? Greene Economics evaluated eight ecosystem service markets for Washington DNR and identified three worth pursuing.

Greene Economics led the 2025 update of Thurston County’s On-Site Sewage System Management Plan to meet new state code and strengthen public and environmental health protections for drinking water, shellfish beds, and Puget Sound. The plan targets vulnerable on-site sewage systems—especially in sensitive and flood-prone areas—enhances data and climate change planning, protects sensitive watershed, and supports more than 55,000 systems serving homes and businesses countywide.

Greene Economics is partnering with The Nature Conservancy and Highland Economics to study shared oat storage infrastructure in Minnesota’s Driftless Region. The project will help farmers expand production, meet quality standards for food-grade markets, and support the region’s role in rebuilding the domestic oat supply—while improving soil health and economic resilience.

Organic material collected for composting in Washington will nearly quadruple by 2035. For the Department of Ecology, we identified state- and county-level gaps in collection, processing, and markets so local governments and compost facilities can plan infrastructure and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Our fee study for the Department of Health found that biotoxin testing would account for 42 percent of proposed commercial shellfish fees. We recommended that the state fund testing as a public good, as other shellfish-producing states do, and adopt DOH’s proposed licensing-fee increases.

Much of what public transit provides—medical trips for elderly and disabled riders, the money households save, cleaner air—rarely shows up in the ledger. Greene Economics measured the full value of public transit for the Whatcom Transportation Authority, and it added up: about $145 million a year and more than 400 jobs supported.

Can Washington hemp help build a greener future? Our feasibility study for WSDA identifies barriers to growing and processing hemp for sustainable building materials and recommends how policy and investment can grow the industry.

Greene Economics is leading a SCAG study to quantify the economic, climate resilience, and ecosystem service benefits of Southern California’s natural and agricultural lands. The study will help local governments plan, invest, and prioritize strategies that strengthen communities, enhance regional resilience, and ensure equitable access to these critical resources.

Washington’s public lands face a growing challenge: generating revenue for trust beneficiaries while advancing climate goals and protecting ecosystems. Greene Economics partnered with DNR to evaluate emerging ecosystem service markets—including forest carbon, avoided wildfire emissions, and water—providing a roadmap for climate-smart land stewardship and identifying opportunities to complement traditional timber and lease revenue.

King County has more than 85,000 on-site sewage systems, many nearing the end of their working life. Our cost and equity analysis estimates what it will take to address failing septic systems and shows the county where to focus sewer investment and financial assistance.

Washington's first green fertilizer plant is planned for Richland. A cleaner product only helps if farmers buy it, and fertilizer runs 19 percent of variable costs for potato growers. Greene Economics analyzed the farm economics for WSDA and found no single grant closes the price gap across the state's farms.

Principal Economist and co-founder Jeri Sawyer applies economic modeling to analyze the environmental and policy impacts of projects across sectors. With more than 30 years of experience, she develops interactive tools that help clients forecast outcomes, weigh alternatives, and make data-driven decisions for sustainable planning.

Assessing the economic potential to achieve California’s offshore wind targets, with emphasis on workforce development and strengthening local supply chains.

Rabia Ahmed, Principal Economist at Greene Economics, is a leader in water rights consulting and socioeconomics. From early water projects in Pakistan to her historic election as AWRA’s first BIPOC woman president, she helps communities, governments, and organizations make informed, equitable decisions in water management and environmental analysis.

Greene Economics is leading a statewide risk assessment to help Washington DNR identify forests most at risk of urban conversion. With a cross-disciplinary team, the project will deliver spatial analysis and a decision tool to guide conservation action—supporting jobs, ecosystems, and carbon storage as development pressure grows.

Greene Economics partners with DOH to transform Washington's shellfish program. Growers & tribes, your insights are vital—get involved!