Past Projects

Jail Modernization

Recognizing that many county jails cannot meet the needs of the current population, the Washington State Legislature directed the Ruckelshaus Center to facilitate the Jail Modernization Task Force. With the Center’s support, the Task Force developed eleven recommendations to align county jails with mental health, substance use disorder, and community safety needs. The Task Force included two dozen participants, including individuals with lived experience. The group’s recommendations are outlined in the Center’s final report, submitted in December 2025.

Read the December 2025 Final Report (PDF).

Read the June 2024 Status Report (PDF) and the June 2025 Status Report (PDF).

Pathways to Housing Security in Washington

In 2021, recognizing the many challenges related to homelessness and housing insecurity, the Washington State Legislature directed the William D. Ruckelshaus Center to gather information and facilitate discussions with the goal of informing a long-term strategy for pathways to housing security. In 2022 and 2023, the Center conducted interviews and held discussions with hundreds of individuals with knowledge of housing and homelessness. Those discussions informed emerging options, opportunities, and concerns. Further discussions, held across the state, helped articulate guiding principles and refine emerging options into recommendations. The Center’s efforts culminated in a final report (PDF), released in December 2023.

To learn more, please visit the project page.

Criminal Sentencing Task Force

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature directed the Ruckelshaus Center to facilitate the Criminal Sentencing Task Force. The Task Force was required to provide recommendations focused on promoting public safety, improving the effectiveness of the sentencing system, and reducing sentencing complexities and errors. During monthly meetings, members of the Task Force reached consensus on 49 recommendations that describe changes to agency policies and legislative statutes. The Center outlined those recommendations in a final report (PDF).

For more information, please visit the project page.

Road Map to Washington’s Future

In 2015, the Washington State Legislature asked the Center to develop a collaborative process for an evaluation of the Growth Management Act (GMA). To gauge support for that process, the Center held conversations with individuals representing dozens of interests and organizations. Based on the input provided, the Center recommended a process to (1) articulate a vision for the desired future of Washington and (2) examine a range of laws, institutions, and policies to provide a path forward. The Legislature responded by allocating funds to create a “Road Map to Washington’s Future.” The Center traveled across the state, gathering input from over 2,500 people through interviews, workshops, and surveys. The Center then synthesized its findings in a final report (PDF), submitted in June 2019.

For more information, please visit the project page.

Public Records Act Assessment

In 2013, the Washington State Legislature asked the Center to develop recommendations to balance the need for public records with the capacity of local governments. In response, the Center spoke with representatives of the public, the media, and local and state governments to understand the perspectives of key stakeholders. The Center’s assessment concluded in a final report, submitted to the Legislature in 2013. The report outlined multiple recommendations to improve the state’s Public Records Act and address the concerns of local governments.

Read the Public Records Act Assessment Report (PDF).

Columbia River Gorge Commission

The Columbia River Gorge Commission asked the Ruckelshaus Center and Oregon Consensus to conduct individual and group interviews with the goal of exploring resource protection and community development in the Gorge. The resulting situation assessment, released in 2012, recommended that the Commission strengthen its collaboration with community members and other agencies. To increase the Commission’s capacity for collaboration, the Center provided training around communication and problem solving in 2013.

Read the Columbia River Gorge Commission Report (PDF).

Tri-Cities Governance

In 2012 and 2013, the Center conducted research and oversaw public engagement to improve governance in Tri-Cities, Washington. The project was completed in two phases in collaboration with the WSU Division of Governmental Studies and Services, the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, and the University of Washington Information School.

Phase One focused on learnings from communities in similar circumstances. The Phase One report was presented to over 400 community leaders in September 2012. The report recommended activities and arrangements that would provide the benefits of “functional consolidation” without the risks associated with formal consolidation. Phase Two focused on the perspectives of key stakeholders. Throughout 2013, the Center held nine well-attended discussions with community leaders, confirming a large number of existing approaches to functional consolidation.  

Read the Phase One Report (PDF) and the Phase Two Report (PDF).

Partnership for Sustainable Communities

In 2010, the Center worked with the National Policy Consensus Center (NPCC) to support the Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The Partnership is an agreement between three federal agencies to coordinate housing, transportation, and environmental policies with the goal of creating sustainable communities nationwide. Because the Partnership is focused on outcomes in communities, local feedback is important to determine national priorities. The Center facilitated a dialogue session in Washington state to gather input from representatives of local, state, and regional organizations. The session brought together about 150 people to discuss opportunities and challenges in housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

Read the Partnership for Sustainable Communities Report (PDF).

K-12 Pandemic Impacts

The pandemic dramatically interrupted K-12 education for students across the state, creating many academic, social, physical, mental, and behavioral health impacts. These impacts disproportionately affected students and families in historically marginalized communities. Throughout 2023 and 2024, the Ruckelshaus Center conducted interviews with students, teachers, principals, superintendents, mental health professionals, and others to better understand the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on children and youth. In Fall 2025, the Center held several convenings to further explore support and recovery.

Read the preliminary summary (PDF) and the final report (PDF).

Read a summary of the 2025 convenings (PDF).

K-12 Governance Assessment

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature directed the Center to evaluate Washington’s K-12 governance structure. The resulting situation assessment identified challenges and opportunities related to K-12 education. The Center conducted background research, group discussions, and interviews to inform the assessment. Preliminary findings were delivered to the Legislature in February 2022, and a final report was delivered in March 2022. The Center found wide support for a collaborative approach to improving the state’s K-12 governance structure.

Read the Situation Assessment of the K-12 Education Governance Structure (PDF).  

Career Colleges

State and federal investigations have uncovered illegal practices in some for-profit higher education institutions and private vocational schools (career colleges). In 2016, the Washington State Legislature directed the Center to study career colleges and make recommendations. The resulting situation assessment provided 44 recommendations to improve state oversight. In 2017, following the assessment, the Center helped stakeholders develop (1) an overarching vision to guide policy improvements and (2) an inter-agency approach to school closures.

In 2019, the Center facilitated a workgroup to develop options and recommendations to improve consistency, simplicity, transparency, and accountability in higher education data. The workgroup included several organizations, such as the Washington Student Achievement Council, the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, the Employment Security Department, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and more.

Read the Situation Assessment (PDF), Phase Two Report (PDF), and Phase Three Report (PDF).

Workers’ Compensation

In 2003, the Center worked with individuals from the business sector and the state government to solve issues surrounding workers’ compensation. The Center provided facilitation services and created a safe, neutral forum for interested parties to explore the issues. The Center also established a process for meaningful dialogue that improved key relationships. With the Center’s guidance, the interested parties built a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with workers’ compensation.

Oil Spill Response

Beginning in 2024, the Ruckelshaus Center supported a multi-agency group by developing a collaborative framework to update oil spill response plans in the Pacific Northwest. The Center served as an advisor, supporting inclusive design, shared agreements, and defined roles among federal, state, and tribal partners. The Center’s framework is now being used to update hazardous waste and oil spill response plans across the region.

After-Action Review of the Statewide Pandemic Response

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature asked the Military Department and the Department of Health to conduct a comprehensive after-action review of the state’s pandemic response. The Ruckelshaus Center, with assistance from Washington State University’s Division of Governmental Studies and Services, provided process design and facilitation services to the After-Action Review Task Force. The Task Force included representatives from 48 organizations across multiple sectors, industries, and professions. The members of the Task Force, centered on equity and social justice principles, produced recommendations in eight policy areas.

Read the Washington State Covid-19 Pandemic Task Force Summary (PDF).

Crisis Governing and Decision Making

In 2023, the Washington State Legislature directed the Military Department and the Ruckelshaus Center to provide recommendations on decision making and emergency response based on lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project included an exploration of the structures that impact equity, diversity, and inclusion in decision making. Project participants identified recommendations for improved decision making in governments, universities, businesses, and other entities.

Read the June 2023 report (PDF) and the companion report (PDF).

Learning From Responses to Covid-19

The pandemic response in Washington state highlighted the need for improved collaboration, systems thinking, and community engagement to prepare for new and recurring emergencies. To address this need, the Ruckelshaus Center initiated a comprehensive learning effort to identify and share key insights from the pandemic response. The goals of this effort were to (1) inform decision making related to short-term and long-term recovery and resilience, (2) identify common connections and lessons learned in multiple sectors, (3) stimulate new solutions to historic policy challenges, and (4) apply race equity and social justice principles throughout the project.

Read the project summary (PDF).

Regional Coordination of Hazards and Resilience Science

According to FEMA, Washington state has the fourth largest number of disaster declarations. Storms, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and other hazards pose a significant risk to Washington’s residents and economy. Reports call for relevant, actionable scientific information to address hazards and increase resilience throughout the state. Additionally, there is a growing realization that local, state, and federal agencies must collaborate to prevent disastrous outcomes by improving their preparedness and response. Further, engaging scientists and academics in policy discussions is critical to developing effective community-research partnerships.

In 2019, the University of Washington and the William D. Ruckelshaus Center conducted several Hazards Research Coordination Workshops throughout the state. The purpose of the workshops was to increase collaboration and improve the development, synthesis, and translation of science to promote relevant, actionable information.

Washington State Coast Resilience

In 2016, US Representative Kilmer’s Office, the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Quinault Indian Nation, and other government agencies partnered to create the Grays Harbor Resilience Coalition. Representative Kilmer’s Office and Ecology asked the Center to help the Coalition create a legislative budget request for coastal resilience projects. Over a series of conversations, the Center suggested developing a coast-wide approach to resilience. The Center conducted 104 interviews with key parties to explore opportunities for long-term natural hazards resilience in coastal communities.

Read the Washington Coast Resilience Assessment (PDF) and the Executive Summary (PDF).

In March 2018, Governor Jay Inslee requested the assistance of the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council (WCMAC) to prioritize and implement the recommendations outlined in the Center’s assessment. The WCMAC focused on the recommendation to “establish a coast-wide resilience initiative.” The recommendation highlighted the need for core partners to collaboratively address resilience issues. In collaboration with WCMAC, Ecology asked the Center to develop options for the resilience initiative, the Coastal Hazards Resilience Team (COHORT). The Center provided a written report outlining options, implementation considerations, and actionable next steps.

Read the COHORT Report (PDF).

Joint SR 530 Landslide Commission

In response to the SR 530 landslide, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and Snohomish County Executive John Lovick formed a joint commission to review the incident and the response. The twelve-member commission, facilitated by the Ruckelshaus Center, spoke with survivors, first responders, loggers, contractors, community representatives, and more. The commission’s recommendations were articulated in a final report, published in December 2014.

Read the SR 530 Landslide Commission Report (PDF).

Recreation Impacts to Tribal Treaty Rights

In 2022, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest asked the Ruckelshaus Center to implement a collaborative process with the purpose of addressing recreation impacts to tribal treaty rights. The Center brought together Western Washington treaty tribes and federal agencies to explore strategies to prevent, mitigate, or remove impacts to tribal treaty rights and interests. The Center’s work concluded in July 2025.

You can learn more by visiting the project page.

Value of Solar

In 2024, the Washington State Legislature directed the Washington State Academy of Sciences to determine the value of solar and storage in the state. The Ruckelshaus Center assisted the Academy by engaging interested parties, including utilities, regulators, advocates, labor unions, and those working in the rooftop solar and storage industry. The Center helped the Academy understand and articulate the perspectives of the interested parties. The Center then documented its findings in a situation assessment.

Read the Center’s situation assessment (PDF).

Read the Academy’s interim report (PDF) on the economic value of solar and storage.

Washington Forest Products Roundtable

In 2024, the Center conducted a situation assessment to evaluate the potential for collaboration in the forest products industry. The assessment helped inform the development of the Washington Forest Products Roundtable, which brings together industry professionals, conservation organizations, and government agencies to discuss forest management. Participants work to create measurable, action-oriented initiatives to revitalize the forest products industry. The Center’s expert facilitation helped the participants develop shared interests and goals to ensure Washington is a leader in the lumber and wood-based bioeconomy.

Read the 2024 situation assessment (PDF).

Spirit Lake / Toutle-Cowlitz River Collaborative

The 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens put the Spirit Lake / Toutle-Cowlitz River System at risk of catastrophic flooding. Engineering measures from the 1980s need costly repairs and modifications, presenting an opportunity to reevaluate the region’s risk management strategies. From 2018 to 2019, the Ruckelshaus Center conducted a situation assessment to evaluate the potential for collaboration.

From 2021 to 2025, the Center facilitated the Spirit Lake / Toutle-Cowlitz River Collaborative, bringing together landowners, researchers, nonprofits, businesses, and local, state, and tribal governments. The participants discussed challenges related to sediment management, public safety, fish recovery, economic development, recreation, and more. With the Center’s help, the Collaborative agreed on a shared mission, vision, and plan of action.

To learn more, please visit the project page.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Review

In 2023, the Washington State Legislature directed the Ruckelshaus Center to conduct a review of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. After conducting over 100 interviews with interested and affected parties, the Center developed options and recommendations based on what was heard. The recommendations include improvements to the Department’s mandate, governance structure, funding model, and more.

Read the WDFW Organizational Review (PDF).

Puget Sound Energy: Beyond Net Zero Advisory Committee

In 2021, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) asked the Ruckelshaus Center to facilitate an advisory committee to inform its Beyond Net Zero Carbon initiative. The Center worked closely with PSE to recruit representatives of diverse backgrounds to serve on the committee. Before the committee’s first meeting, the Center interviewed all representatives to identify important issues and needs. The committee began meeting in February 2022 and continued through 2023.

Read the project’s final summary (PDF).

Aviation Biofuels

From 2018 to 2020, the Ruckelshaus Center facilitated the Sustainable Aviation Biofuels Work Group. The work group brought together state agencies, fuel producers, feedstock suppliers, and environmental organizations to further the development of sustainable aviation biofuels in Washington. With support from the Center, the work group reached consensus on multiple recommendations, including code revisions, permitting changes, and tax incentives. The Center collaborated with the Office of Clean Technology at Washington State University to summarize the recommendations in a final report to the State Legislature.

Read the November 2020 Report (PDF) and the December 2022 Report (PDF).

Recreation Fees

In 2016, the Washington State Legislature directed the Washington Parks Commission to “develop options and recommendations to improve consistency, equity, and simplicity in recreational access fee systems while accounting for the fiscal health and stability of public land management.” The Parks Commission contracted the Ruckelshaus Center to complete a situation assessment, which informed the scope and composition of several work groups. The work groups developed a set of options and recommendations to improve the existing fee system.

Read the situation assessment (PDF) and the final report (PDF).

Coeur d’ Alene Basin Restoration

In 2016, the Trustee Council of the Coeur d’Alene Basin Restoration Partnership engaged the Center to improve collaboration and build consensus. The Center examined challenges and opportunities related to the restoration of natural resources in the Coeur d’Alene Basin. The resulting assessment mapped existing relationships and objectives among the Council’s member organizations. The Center recommended an honest conversation about the status of the Council. In 2017, the Center facilitated that conversation and helped the Council reach agreement on an improved operating structure.

Read the Coeur d’Alene Basin Restoration Situation Assessment (PDF).

Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program

In 2013, the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council asked the Ruckelshaus Center to review the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) to assess the program’s transparency, accountability, decision making, and more. In 2014, the Center interviewed interested and affected parties to gather input. The Center then released a final report outlining key findings and recommendations for improvement.  

Read the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program Report (PDF).

Northwest Environment and Natural Resources Forum

Between 2011 and 2012, the Center collaborated with the US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, the Policy Consensus Initiative at Portland State University, and the Oregon Natural Resources Institute to promote collaborative decision making in the Pacific Northwest. The Northwest Environment and Natural Resources Forum provided a structure for federal, state, local, and tribal governments to address environmental issues. Participants met regularly to discuss interagency collaboration, emerging technology, and more.

Voluntary Stewardship Program

In 2007, the Washington State Legislature asked the Ruckelshaus Center to resolve a long-standing conflict involving agricultural lands in environmentally “critical areas.” The Center conducted research and facilitated discussions to develop solutions, policies, and practices that reflect the shared interests of the key parties. In September 2010, the Agriculture and Critical Areas Committee reached agreement on a framework for the Voluntary Stewardship Program. The Center helped the Committee create legislation, which was signed into law by Governor Gregoire in May 2011.

Today, the Voluntary Stewardship Program offers counties and agricultural landowners farm-friendly solutions that protect critical areas. Rather than leading with enforcement, counties enrolled in the program use financial incentives to voluntarily engage landowners. Over 25 counties across Washington state currently participate in the program.

Please visit the project page to learn more.

Agricultural Pilots

The Ruckelshaus Center coordinated the Agricultural Pilots Project to support pilots with the potential to provide both agricultural and environmental benefits. Guided by an advisory group, the Center conducted nearly 200 interviews with interested and affected parties. The Washington State Legislature then provided funding for a “proof of concept” phase, during which four pilots were conducted. The Center monitored the pilots and evaluated the feasibility of an ongoing Agricultural Pilots Project. The Center outlined its findings in a final report to the State Legislature, submitted in 2009.

Read the project reports to learn more.

I/DD Redesign: Perceptions of Progress

In 2019, an intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) workgroup, facilitated by the Ruckelshaus Center, reached consensus on twenty recommendations to redesign adult supports and services. Many of the recommendations are now in various stages of funding and implementation. In 2023, the Washington State Legislature asked the Center to evaluate perceptions of implementation progress, program successes, emerging issues, and examples of innovations in other states. The Center responded by conducting interviews and assessments with over 135 individuals and organizations.

Read the project report (PDF) and the “plain language” summary (PDF).

Behavioral Health Communication Framework

Medicaid delivery and reimbursement has undergone a significant transformation, resulting in several implementation challenges. To foster future success, the Washington State Association of Counties and the Washington Health Care Authority asked the Center to help interested parties build, test, and implement a consensus-based communications framework. In December 2021, the Center completed 20 months of facilitation to help the parties involved reach consensus. The resulting communications framework created a structure to solve countywide and statewide problems while planning for positive systems change in physical and behavioral health.

Redesigning I/DD Policy

Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are a diverse group of chronic conditions involving developmental, neurological, and physical impairments. These conditions include Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, autism, pervasive developmental disorders, and more. Washington state has several models to support people with I/DD, from state-run “Residential Habilitation Centers” to home- and community-based services. For decades, providers, unions, advocates, and families have debated the merits and challenges of the different support models.

In 2018, the Washington State Legislature asked the Center to help the interested parties develop consensus-based solutions around residential options and supports. The workgroup’s recommendations led to legislative appropriations of $172 million in early 2019. In the fall of 2019, the workgroup reached consensus on additional recommendations to redesign I/DD supports and services in Washington. The Legislature has continued to fund the recommendations, following a ten-year plan developed by the workgroup.

Read the 2018 I/DD Report (PDF) and the 2019 I/DD Report (PDF).

Everett CHART

Throughout Everett, many vulnerable and marginalized people regularly interact with multiple systems, including law enforcement, social services, and homeless shelters. Many of these people have overlapping legal, health, and substance use issues that result in avoidable contact with those systems. In 2019, the City of Everett asked the Ruckelshaus Center to evaluate the Chronic Utilizer Alternative Response Team (CHART), a criminal justice, healthcare, and housing program.

The Center completed a situation assessment to understand the strengths and challenges of CHART. Over 25 partner organizations participated in the assessment. In October 2019, the Center held a workshop to explore consensus around evaluation measures. The assessment and the workshop provided guidance to the WSU School of Economic Sciences, which conducted an economic evaluation of the CHART pilot.

To learn more about the project, please see the Everett CHART Assessment Brief (PDF).

Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health

Throughout 2017, the Center worked with the Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (ACH) to assess the potential for community leaders, healthcare providers, and payers to reach consensus around regional Medicaid transformation. After holding meetings in Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties, the Center recommended developing a regional vision for long-term priorities and health outcomes. The Center also recommended using a consensus-building process to promote collaboration across organizations and sectors. The Center’s work sparked conversations about regional Medicaid transformation and community health.

Read the Southwest Washington ACH Brief (PDF).

Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition

In 2017, the Center provided early-stage process design and facilitation services to the Snohomish County Health Leadership Coalition. The Coalition convened over 140 organizations from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to improve the health and economic vitality of Snohomish County. The Center helped the Coalition design and implement a collaborative process to scale existing efforts and positively impact health outcomes.

Yakima Healthcare Provider Capacity

The Affordable Care Act successfully expanded Medicaid, making health insurance affordable and accessible to many Americans. However, the increased demand for services overwhelmed local healthcare providers in the Yakima Valley, where a disproportionately high number of people benefit from Medicaid. In 2017, the Center facilitated a process to help leaders at local hospitals identify strategies for emergency room diversion, physician recruitment, and other improvements to care. The process resulted in short-term interventions and long-term plans to increase the capacity of local healthcare providers.

Snohomish Health District

Governed by a fifteen-member board, the Snohomish Health District provides services to over 755,000 residents in Snohomish County. In 2016, the District asked the Center to help navigate a potential transformation of its governance and care. The District was facing several challenges, including unsustainable funding, statewide healthcare changes, and board member turnover. The Center conducted a situation assessment to understand relevant perspectives and issues. The assessment culminated in a final report outlining multiple recommendations for improvement. The District implemented several of the recommendations to increase engagement and streamline decision making. 

Read the Snohomish Health District Situation Assessment (PDF).

Eldercare Workforce

In 2015, the Center partnered with the University of Washington Health Policy Center to examine eldercare workforce capacity in Washington state. The Center convened stakeholders and facilitated meetings to support the Washington State Eldercare Workforce Alliance. The Center also worked with the University Network for Collaborative Governance (UNCG) to launch similar efforts across the country. The UNCG initiative resulted in (1) a national conference on the eldercare workforce, (2) a pilot program to report results and lessons learned, and (3) convenings in several states.

Read the Eldercare Workforce Impact Report (PDF).

Nurse Staffing

Between 2007 and 2012, the Center helped resolve a long-standing disagreement about hospital staffing. The Center convened interested and affected parties to discuss nurse staffing levels, working conditions, and patient safety. The parties agreed to form the Nurse Staffing Steering Committee with the goal of identifying, developing, and promoting best practices. The Center’s efforts led to the passing of RCW 70.41.240, which called for collaborative nurse staffing decisions in Washington state.

In 2018, a student consulting team from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance conducted an evaluation of the project. Read the Nurse Staffing Steering Committee Evaluation (PDF).

Read the project reports to learn more.

Municipal Water Efficiency

In 2024, the Washington State Legislature tasked the William D. Ruckelshaus Center with a situation assessment of the Washington State Municipal Water Efficiency Statute and its regulation. The goals of the assessment were to evaluate the effectiveness of the current efficiency policies and to provide recommendations for improvement. The Center worked closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Ecology, and other interested parties to complete the assessment and develop recommendations.

Read the situation assessment (PDF) and the supplemental research (PDF) on long-term municipal water efficiency.

Salmon Recovery Efforts in the Upper Columbia River Basin

Since 1999, the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board has facilitated regional salmon recovery. After over two decades of recovery efforts, the Center evaluated the Board’s regional structure and organizational processes. From October 2020 to February 2021, the Center conducted interviews with interested and affected parties to identify opportunities for improvement. The final report summarizes common perspectives held by the participants.

Read the final report (PDF) and the executive summary (PDF).

Chehalis Basin Strategy

In 2012, the Ruckelshaus Center convened the Governor’s Chehalis Work Group to address flooding and declining fish populations in the Chehalis Basin. The Work Group developed recommendations that were funded by the Washington State Legislature the following year. The Work Group also developed a strategy to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic species. In 2015, the Legislature provided $50 million to fund the strategy. The Legislature also created the Office of the Chehalis Basin to oversee the strategy’s implementation. The Center supported the implementation phase by organizing workshops and conducting public outreach.

Read the 2012 Chehalis Basin Flood Hazard Mitigation Alternatives Report (PDF).

Read the 2014 Governor’s Chehalis Basin Work Group Report (PDF).

PFAS Chemical Action Plan

In 2017 and 2018, the Center facilitated meetings between the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington State Department of Health to develop a Chemical Action Plan (CAP) for per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). The purpose of the CAP was to recommend non-regulatory actions to protect people and the environment from a persistent bio-accumulative toxin (PBT). The Center helped the Department of Ecology and the Department of Health develop the final CAP, which was implemented in Summer 2019.

Spokane River Toxins

From 2012 – 2017, the Center facilitated the Spokane River Regional Toxics Task Force, a group of government agencies, private organizations, and environmental advocates working to reduce polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Spokane River. The Center helped the Task Force reach consensus on hundreds of decisions, including a comprehensive plan to bring the Spokane River into compliance with water quality standards. In 2015, the Department of Ecology declared that the Task Force had reduced PCBs in the Spokane River by over 283 pounds.

Non-Native Fish Eradication

Biologists have attributed the decline of the native Bull Trout and Westslope Cutthroat Trout to competition, hybridization, and predation by non-native fish. The eradication of non-native fish is critical to the recovery of the Bull Trout, a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. In collaboration with the WSU Division of Governmental Studies and Services, the Center worked with state, local, and tribal governments to communicate the need for non-native fish control to the public. The Center facilitated meetings, coordinated public participation, and more.

Capitol Lake Assessment

In 2011, the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services asked the Center to explore challenges and opportunities regarding the management of Capitol Lake in Olympia, WA. The Center conducted a situation assessment to understand the perspectives of interested parties, including representatives of the media, businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments. The assessment culminated in a final report that outlined recommendations to address water quality issues, insufficient funding, and other concerns raised by the interested parties.

Read the Situation Assessment for Capitol Lake Management (PDF).

Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead

In 2012, NOAA Fisheries asked the Ruckelshaus Center, in partnership with Oregon Consensus, to assess regional views of long-term salmon and steelhead recovery in the Columbia River Basin. The Center assembled a team of academics and practitioners from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The Center then conducted a situation assessment, including 206 interviews with parties knowledgeable of salmon recovery. The project’s report led to the establishment of the Columbia Basin Partnership to develop long-term goals for salmon and steelhead recovery.

Read the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Assessment (PDF).

Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council

In 2010, Washington’s natural resource agencies identified the need for an advisory group to provide guidance on ocean and marine policies. The Department of Ecology convened the Washington Coastal Marine Advisory Council (WCMAC) to discuss ocean and marine policies on the state’s Pacific Ocean Coast. Ecology retained the Center to serve as a neutral convener. From 2012 – 2013, the Center provided facilitation services to support the WCMAC in conducting meetings and reaching decisions.

Surplus Hatchery Salmon Distribution

In 2010, the Washington State Legislature directed the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to “work with appropriate stakeholders to facilitate the disposition of salmon to best utilize the resource, increase revenues at regional fisheries enhancement groups, and enhance the provision of nutrients to food banks.” The Legislature instructed WDFW to report on the resulting discussions, outcomes, and recommendations. WDFW contracted the Center to support stakeholder engagement by providing economic analysis, conducting interviews, and facilitating meetings between interested and affected parties.

Read the Surplus Hatchery Salmon Distribution Study (PDF).

Shared Salmon Strategy Assessment

In 2008, NOAA Fisheries asked the Center to examine the process that led to the successful development of the Shared Strategy Recovery Plan for Puget Sound Fall Chinook Salmon. The plan was developed in collaboration with businesses, interested residents, tribal leaders, environmental advocates, local governments, and state and federal agencies. The Center found that the plan increased the regional capacity for policies, actions, and decisions related to salmon recovery. The plan’s innovative tools and strategies contributed to its success.   

Read the Shared Salmon Strategy Assessment (PDF) and the Executive Summary (PDF).

Walla Walla Water Management Initiative

In the early 2000s, residents of the Walla Walla Basin Community came together to improve water management and meet the needs of federally-protected fish. In conjunction with the Department of Ecology, the Basin’s residents asked the Center to explore the capacity for an integrated water management system. Throughout 2006 and 2007, the Center gathered input, identified areas of consensus, and examined best practices in similar cases of water management.

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative is a unique local governance mechanism that employs a collaborative approach to preserve ecosystems. In 2004, the Center conducted a federally-mandated evaluation of the Initiative, convening a committee of experts to provide insight and guidance. The experts discovered one of the most innovative applications of volunteer action in the country. The credibility and thoroughness of the Center’s evaluation led to a stronger mandate and increased federal support for the Initiative.

Read the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Evaluation (PDF).

Water Resources Administration and Funding Task Force

In 2004, the Washington State Legislature created the Water Resources Administration and Funding Task Force. The Department of Ecology requested that several interest groups participate in the Task Force to develop proposals and recommend options to fund the state’s water resources programs. Ecology invited the Center to facilitate the Task Force and provide staff support. With the Center’s help, the Task Force developed recommendations to guide policymakers in creating a funding package for operating and capital support.

Read the Water Resources Administration and Funding Task Force Report (PDF).

Washington Water Acquisition Program

Under the Washington Water Acquisition Program, the Department of Ecology acquired water rights for the purpose of increasing stream flow and improving salmon habitat. However, some agricultural communities were skeptical of the program. In 2003, Ecology invited the Center to conduct an independent and neutral program review. The Center found that, despite barriers to acceptance, water rights acquisition can be a useful tool.

Read the Washington Water Acquisition Program Report (PDF).