Case Study
In 2011, Northwest RiverPartners tapped DHM to measure sentiment around hydropower in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, with Montana added to the mix in 2024. Throughout this decade-long partnership, DHM has conducted multiple region-wide surveys, benchmarking opinions and exploring public views on new hydro-related topics.
To reach a statistically valid and representative sample of residents for the region and each state, DHM uses an online survey approach. In 2024, the research included a sample of 1,600 residents and explored broad opinions on hydropower and drilled down messaging around newly released scientific findings on salmon and steelhead populations. This two-fold approach has allowed Northwest RiverPartners to continue getting benchmark responses while also gathering essential information to speak to lawmakers on topics unique to their state. The most recent survey iteration, for example, found that 77% of residents across the region support hydropower.
The research continues to help drive Northwest RiverPartners’ communication strategy, equipping the organization with credible, timely insights to support conversations with policymakers, inform public messaging, and strengthen stakeholder engagement across the region.
Partnering with social impact firm DH, DHM helped shape a statewide mental health advertising campaign for Washington adults 55+ by using survey and focus group insights to ensure the final creative concept reflected the voices of those it aimed to help.