SocialCommunityAssessment

Social and community assessments play an important role in the future development of communities facing change — through growth, transition from traditional economies, or external pressures on its social or community structure. NEA provides clients with an accurate assessment of a community’s views or perceptions of proposed plans or policies and helps to guide them through a process of finding their own preferred future. Clients choose NEA for our discretion, good judgment, objectivity, and cost-effective approach in gathering data and providing useful analysis in a timely manner.

We develop statistically valid surveys and use survey sampling and survey analysis, small focus groups, and community forums or "town hall" meetings to obtain relevant data. Whether conducted face-to-face, by telephone, or via the mail, our well-designed, customized surveys get responses. We provide rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis as well as user-friendly summaries. We also analyze community indicators, enabling our clients to stay aware of trends and variables affecting their projects.

Project Highlights

Social and Economic Assessment
Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Grand Ronde, OR

NEA conducted a social and economic assessment of several communities within which the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde (CTGR) operate. We prepared, administered, and analyzed results of a survey of tribal members living in the immediate Grand Ronde area and throughout the nation, as well as non-tribal members living in the local community. This analysis will serve as a baseline description of the current social and economic status of these communities and the CTGR, against which future assessments will be compared.

Development of the La Center Community Action Plan
City of La Center, WA

NEA assisted a group of citizens in developing a Community Action Plan for the city of La Center, Washington. The project involved facilitating action team planning meetings, preparing a written plan, and presenting the plan to the general public and to the City Council. The analysis helped the client formulate a plan to encourage desired future growth by identifying projects that could lead to greater economic diversity and growth, and outlining steps necessary to implement the identified projects. The contract was financed through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service Rural Community Assistance Program and the City of La Center.

Economic Impacts on Orofino, Idaho, of Changes in Columbia River Operations
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla, WA

NEA conducted an analysis of the economic impacts on the community of Orofino of drawing down nearby Dworshak Reservoir. The study included a direct survey of local businesses, documentation of anticipated direct impacts, and analysis of indirect impacts using IMPLAN. Economic effects were measured for changes in recreation related economic activities directly or indirectly linked to the reservoir. Direct economic impacts were measured using estimates of recreation related visits and associated visitor spending profiles for various recreation activities.