Case Study
DHM began working with Northwest RiverPartners in 2011 to measure sentiment around hydropower in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Since then, DHM has conducted multiple region-wide surveys for Northwest RiverPartners, benchmarking opinions over time and exploring new, hydro-related topics over the years. In the most recent iteration of this work in 2024, Montana residents were added to the survey.
For this work, DHM uses an online survey approach to reach a statistically valid and representative sample of residents for the region and for each state (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana) where Northwest RiverPartners is active. In 2024, the research design included a total sample of 1,600 residents. It explored opinions on hydropower broadly, but also to test specific messaging around newly released scientific findings regarding salmon and steelhead populations. In addition to benchmarking questions DHM has asked since 2011, the 2024 survey included questions that would help Northwest RiverPartners speak to lawmakers on topics unique to their state. The most recent survey, for example, found that 77% of residents across the region support hydropower.
The research continues to impact Northwest RiverPartners’ communications strategy—equipping the organization with credible, up-to-date insights to support conversations with policymakers, inform public messaging, and strengthen stakeholder engagement across the region.
DHM partnered with DH to help shape a statewide mental health campaign for Washington adults 55+, using survey and focus group insights to ensure the final creative—Find Your People—was grounded in the voices of those it aimed to reach.