Case Studies

Our research brings leaders clarity around complex planning, policy making and communication challenges. We are proud to share a collection of projects that demonstrate how our work has helped bring about meaningful results for our clients and their communities.


National Policing Survey

In collaboration with reputation and crisis management firm, ReputationUs, DHM conducted a first-of-its-kind national survey to understand public sentiment toward police.


Ballot Measure Research

To understand the viability of a potential tax measure, the City of Santa Maria partnered with DHM to conduct a survey to gain insight into voters' priorities and perceptions of City services and spending.


Economic Sentiment

DHM conducts an annual survey with the Portland Metro Chamber to gauge voter sentiment toward the economy and quality of life to inform policy changes that strengthen economic opportunity in the region.


Benchmark Survey  

DHM Research partners with Seattle City Light to track customer satisfaction and priorities to inform communications and outreach for energy efficiency and bill assistance programs.


Water Utility Service

DHM led efforts for the City of Bellingham as it sought to gather information on residential water utility customers and gain a deeper understanding of their priorities and preferences.


Evaluating Messaging

Over a multi-year partnership, DHM has helped the Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI) develop and evaluate its public education campaigns, ensuring that messaging regarding forest management, sustainability, and replanting are hitting home across the state.


Homelessness Services

Working with Multnomah County, DHM helped explore community perceptions, priorities, and policy preferences related to homelessness and housing services.


Transportation Funding

Through a multi-year partnership with The Eastern Transportation Coalition (TETC), DHM is helping states across the Eastern U.S. better understand public attitudes toward transportation funding, infrastructure priorities, and emerging policy solutions—empowering policymakers to make informed, future-ready decisions.


Healthcare

The Oregon Patient Safety Commission (OPSC) engaged DHM to help them gain a broader understanding of Oregonians’ experiences with and perceptions of medical errors across the state.

Someone reviewing a document with a pen.

Policy Review and Evaluation

When exploring funding sources for a new state-wide promise program, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) partnered with DHM to deliver a comprehensive, Legislature-directed study to policymakers.

View looking straight up a high voltage tower.

Hydropower

For nearly 15 years, DHM has been Northwest RiverPartner’s go-to collaborator for tracking public opinion on hydropower across the Northwest.


Budget Survey  

When Portland’s City Council had to navigate difficult budget shortfalls, they partnered with DHM to conduct a multilingual, citywide survey asking residents to make real-life tradeoff decisions between essential services and revenue options. Facing difficult spending cuts in the Spring of 2025, DHM yielded nuanced insights that helped leaders make decisions with community values in mind.