Innovators in Rural Community Economic Development

Research

Yellow Wood brings a special combination of content and process expertise to our work.

We invite you to explore our work.  Recent projects and presentations are listed below.  You can explore additional work using the various tags in the right hand column.

ActionAid, Developing a Handbook for a Gender Sensitive Framework for Access to Market and Value Chains

Shanna Ratner worked with Barbara Wyckoff of Dynamica Consulting to develop a handbook for ActionAid.  This work built off of the framework developed in the Kathmandu workshop on Gender Sensitive Access to Market and Value Chains. Topics addressed…

CODESPA, Design of a Profit Sharing and Co-ownership Model; Its Strategies, Procedures and Implementation for Small Holder Farmers for Opportunity International

Opportunity International was interested in developing an agricultural model for sharing economic benefits and applying this model to a plant operated by Opportunity International in Nicaragua.  The CODESPA Foundation was selected to complete this…

Land Trust Alliance, Assistance with Metrics for Community Conservation

The Land Trust Alliance (Alliance) is a national conservation organization that works to save the places people love. Most recently, the Alliance has begun to focus on Community Conservation, listening to and engaging people from all walks of life…

Forestry Industry Systems Analysis for the State of Vermont

Yellow Wood, in consultation with the Working Lands Enterprise Board Forestry subcommittee of the State of Vermont, is working to provide a systems analysis of the forest and wood products industry.  This work will engage a variety of stakeholders…

The Nature Conservancy, Adirondack Park Invasive Species Economic Assessment

Yellow Wood Associates designed and implemented a study for the Nature Conservancy on the economic impacts of invasive species on a variety of economic sectors in the Adirondack Park. This study provided a preliminary assessment of the present day…

State of Vermont Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Targeted Strengthening of Municipal Hazard Mitigation Planning

Under the direction of Peg Elmer of Community-Resilience.org, Yellow Wood engaged in targeted strengthening of municipal hazard mitigation planning in the state of Vermont. Yellow Wood assisted in guiding and augmenting national research related to…

Vermont Environmental Consortium Green Careers Website Research

Yellow Wood was contracted by the Vermont Environmental Consortium to produce content for a Vermont-focused “green careers” website, as part of a Vermont Department of Labor deliverable to Vermont Technical College.  The content that was researched…

Rural Health Network AmeriCorps Evaluation

The Rural Health Network of South Central New York sought consulting services to evaluate their Rural Health Service Corps (RHSC) AmeriCorps program from the period of September 1, 2012 through November 30, 2013.  Yellow Wood evaluated the data reported…

Suri Paco, LLC, Industry Feasibility Study

Yellow Wood worked with Suri Paco to evaluate the costs and benefits of an expanded wholesale production program, including demand, supply and processing of domestic alpaca fiber for a range of value-added products, including bales, non-woven felt,…

Best Practices Research on Food Enterprise Options for Local Food Value Chain Exploration in Northern Mississippi

Yellow Wood Associates worked with One Voice and NAACP Mississippi to identify best practices for developing a food systems value chain with a focus on four models (Institutional Sales through the Farm to School model; Targeted Distribution of Produce…

Opportunity International Nicaragua: A Model for Sharing Economic Benefits of Enterprise Development in Phases

Opportunity International Nicaragua (OIN) is a nonprofit organization working to blend community economic development strategies with microfinance strategies to benefit the poorest of the poor in Nicaragua. As part of their work, OIN has incubated…

Identifying Potential Institutional Buyers of Sustainable Forest Products, Technical Assistance for Rural Action

Yellow Wood was asked to provide technical assistance to the Green Forest Products Collaborative to assess the level of demand opportunity in the region’s institutions and government agencies. Yellow Wood performed a scan of the region and identified…

Evaluation, Capacity Building, and Technical Assistance Services for The Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County

Yellow Wood was the local evaluator for Workforce Central, an initiative of the Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County (now Incourage Community Foundation) and its strategic partners funded by the National Workforce Solutions Fund (NWSF).…

Understanding Community Resilience and Identifying Existing Tools for Assessing Resilience

Yellow Wood worked with Susanne Moser, PhD to explore the issue of community resilience from the perspective of literature and key informant interviews with 25 rural development practitioners from around the country. They identified stages of community…

Understanding Community Resilience: Supplementary Interviews

Yellow Wood conducted a supplementary round of interviews exploring the issue of community resilience. These interviews were with representatives from MDC, Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, Danville Regional Foundation, Louisiana Disaster Foundation,…

Perspectives from Farmers Working with Sysco’s Local Good Food Sourcing Program

Yellow Wood provided assistance with qualitative data gathering for the Wallace Center. This assistance included developing interview questions, interviewing growers, and synthesizing interview responses.

Enhancing New Agricultural Businesses for Long-term Employment

Yellow Wood Associates worked with consultant Doug Hoffer to assist the Wallace Center in preparing a proposal to the U.S. Department of Labor for Agriculture and Food Sector Job Training for Enhancing Green Jobs.

Review of Highly Successful NESARE Projects

Yellow Wood compiled a list of highly successful projects funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, along with a review of some of the best practices that made these projects successful.

Wealth Creation in Rural Communities, Phases 1 and 2: Triple Bottom Line Framework for Rural America

Yellow Wood assisted Wayne Fawbush of the Ford Foundation in developing an innovative approach to rural development based on an application of triple bottom line principles to create and maintain community wealth. Wealth was defined by categories of…

Village of Derby Line Border Station Impact Study

Yellow Wood Associates was hired by the Village of Derby Line to study the potential economic, fiscal and environmental impacts from a proposed expansion of the I-91 Derby Line Port of Entry on the Village of Derby Line as well as potential mitigation…

Town of Franklin, Implementation Assistance for Green Municipal Building Program

The Town of Franklin contracted with Yellow Wood to prepare a list of qualified bidders for the Town's building program which includes one LEED certified building. Yellow Wood identified qualified architects, builders, commissioning agents and clerks…

Green Community Technologies®: Phase II, Improving Decision-making for Sustainable Infrastructure

Yellow Wood worked with 9 communities throughout New England on inventory and assessment and research on alternative technologies.

Green Community Technologies®: Phase II, Westford, VT

Yellow Wood worked with Stone Environmental to assess options for water supply and wastewater treatment in the rural town of Westford, Vermont's town center. Yellow Wood prepared a Wastewater Feasibillity Study Survey for landowners in the town center…

Massachusetts Trust for Public Land

Yellow Wood partnered with Mt. Auburn Associates to help the Massachusetts Trust for Public Land build a framework for discussing the full range of economic benefits derived from public land. Categories of economic benefit include contributions to…

Solid Waste Analysis for the Town of New Gloucester, Maine

Yellow Wood worked with the Town of New Gloucester to consider alternative approaches to handling municipal solid waste including recyclables. We examined waste reduction, collection, and disposal strategies.

Rural Brownfields Research

On behalf of the National Association of Development Organizations, Yellow Wood conducted research on EPA brownfields grants awarded to regional development organizations. As part of this research, Yellow Wood developed an online questionnaire and…

Research on Operational Principles of Wealth-Based Development for the Northern Forest

Prepared a concept paper on wealth and sustainability and their relationships to one another for use by the Northern Forest Center and the North Country Council in developing principles to guide the Northern Forest Sustainable Economy Initiative. Meet…

Passamaquoddy Bay Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis

Yellow Wood Associates was hired by Save Passamaquoddy Bay to study the economic and fiscal impacts of potential LNG import terminal development on the Passamaquoddy Bay. Economic impacts on real estate and employment were studied, as were fiscal impacts…

The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce Canadian Connection Project

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce to identify seven key sectors – Industry, Tourism, Real Estate, Cultural Affairs, Retail, Financial and Professional Services, and International Border Businesses…

Dragon Run Natural Resource Economic Assessment

Yellow Wood helped the Middle Peninsula Planning and Development Commission to define and assess the feasibility of economic development activities and opportunities that sustain traditional land uses and which minimize adverse impacts on the natural…

Workshop on Participatory Community Problem-Solving, 11th Annual Conference on the Adirondacks

Shanna Ratner presented a workshop on Participatory Community Problem-Solving at the 11thAnnual Conference on the Adirondacks.  The workshop topics included everyday research, the National Community Forest Center initiative and how participatory…

Presentation for Harpswell, Maine on Potential Economic and Fiscal Impacts on the Town of Harpswell of the Proposed LNG Terminal

Shanna Ratner presented the findings of Yellow Wood Associates, Inc.’s study of the potential economic and fiscal impacts of a proposed liquid natural gas import terminal on the Town of Harpswell, Maine to an audience of over 150 people in a public…

Analysis of Potential Economic and Fiscal Impacts on the Town of Harpswell, Maine of the LNG Terminal Proposed by TransCanada Pipelines and ConocoPhillips

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. collected data from primary and secondary sources to assess the potential economic and fiscal impacts of a proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal on the fishing town of Harpswell, Maine. Work included analyzing…

Workshop on Participatory Research presented in cooperation with the Middlebury College Alliance for Civic Engagement and Vermont Campus Compact

Shanna Ratner presented a participatory research workshop at Middlebury College on November 20th, 2003. The workshop was presented by the National Community Forestry Center Northern Forest Region in cooperation with the Middlebury College…

Workshop in Participatory Community Problem-Solving, 10th Annual Conference on the Adirondacks

Shanna Ratner presented a workshop on Participatory Community Problem-Solving at the 10th Annual Conference on the Adirondacks.  The workshop topics included everyday research, the National Community Forest Center initiative and how participatory…

Green Community Technologies®: Phase I, Alternative Technology Assessment for Rural Communities

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. conducted research to determine how, and whether, Vermont municipalities can use alternative technologies to save money, create jobs, and reduce negative environmental impacts. Our research focused on alternative approaches…

Town of Richmond Municipal Infrastructure Inventory and Alternative Technology Analysis

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Town of Richmond, Vermont to inventory and assess municipal infrastructure assets and provide options for future investment based on a comparative analysis of alternative technologies versus conventional…

Feasibility Study for a Shared-Use Kitchen Incubator in Tioga County

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. assessed the feasibility of developing a shared-use kitchen incubator in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania. Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with project partners to develop goals for the proposed facility,…

Study of Geographical and Socio-Economic Characteristics of the Towns of Hartford, Norwich relative to the ULSRPC, TRORC and SWCRPC

Collected and geo-referenced data on the socio-economic characteristics of the Towns of Hartford, Norwich, and Hartland, Vermont in relation to three regional planning commission districts to assist the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development…

Island Pond Woodworkers Alliance Pre-Feasibility Study and 2005 Plan

This project consisted of two phases. The first identified a mix of possible products that the former Ethan Allen employee group would be able to produce given their skills, knowledge base, opportunities for additional training, and an array of business/marketing…

Basic Planning for Vermont Public Officials: Planning for Economic Development

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a short lesson on “Planning for Economic Development” for Vermont municipal officials, which was used as part of the Lincoln Land Institute’s Online Planning Series, sponsored by The Orton Institute. The lesson…

Community Investments in Smart Growth - A Decision-Maker's Guide

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. researched and developed the content for a Vermont Forum on Sprawl publication, Community Investments in Smart Growth – A Decision-Maker’s Guide, on municipal investing for smart growth. Research included “smart growth” approaches…

Rural Community Capacity Building Learning Cluster

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. surveyed members of the Learning Cluster to determine the variety of approaches being used to build rural community capacity, resulting in a report entitled Community Capacity Building, What Is It? for the Aspen Institute.…

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Social Capital

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation on the integration of social capital into their grant-making process. The work involved facilitating the Social Capital Multiplier Group, researching social capital applications…

Cooperative Cleaning Business Pre-Feasibility Study

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. defined a business concept and conducted preliminary research for a cooperative cleaning business that used non-toxic products and techniques.

Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis of the Stowe Ski Area Master Plan

Worked on behalf of the Conservation Law Foundation to document and analyze the economic and fiscal impacts of the proposed Stowe Ski Area Master Plan. The analysis emphasized the extent of public investment versus public benefit in electric utilities,…

Analysis and Testimony related to a proposed Milton Sewer Line Extension

Yellow Wood provided written and oral testimony for the foundation in the Act 250 review of the Town of Milton, Vermont in their proposal to expand sewer service along Route 7. The purpose of the evaluation was to review the adequacy and/or deficiencies…

The Informal Economy in Rural Community Economic Development

Awarded a grant by TVA Rural Studies to conduct research. Yellow Wood Associates produced a paper on the role of the informal economy in rural communities. The paper reframes rural development in terms of the whole economy, and begins to articulate…

Lake Champlain Byways

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. provided an inventory and assessment of hiking and walking resources in the Lake Champlain Basin. The work was undertaken as part of a bi-state Lake Champlain Byways Management Plan, and produced a database and maps with…

Economic Impact Analysis and Testimony re Potential Impacts on Downtown Middlebury of a Proposed Comfort Inn

On behalf of local business people, Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared an independent analysis of the potential economic impacts of a proposed national chain hotel on the existing lodging industry in Middlebury, surrounding areas, and downtown Middlebury.…

Pilot Computerized Database of Alternative Crops

Yellow Wood created a pilot computerized database of alternative agriculture initiatives. The pilot was presented at the “What Works!” Conference in Ithaca, New York.

Town of Cambridge, Vermont Planning Commission

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. assisted the Town of Cambridge, Vermont Planning Commission in designing and implementing a process to engage local residents and landowners in a dialogue about guiding future growth in the town. Specifically, the dialogue…

Forest Land Bank Feasibility Study, The Nature Conservancy's Center for Compatible Economic Development

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked in conjunction with Robert J. Turner Co. to assemble data on timber production, markets, and price trends to evaluate the financial feasibility of a forest land bank in western New York. The work was conducted on…

Northeast SmartWood Certification Guidelines for Assessing Forest Management

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. performed a review of the SmartWood certification guidelines for green certification of logs, lumber and wood products. Linking consumer consciousness with sustainable forestry practices, the assessment was conducted with…

Stratton Area Citizen’s Committee

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. researched and analyzed the socio-economic impacts of a proposed expansion of lodging and retail facilities at Stratton Mountain for the Stratton Area Citizen’s Committee. The analysis considered the economic viability…

Testimony regarding Proposed Killington Master Plan

On behalf of the Vermont Natural Resources Council, Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. reviewed and analyzed Killington, Ltd.’s application for an Act 250 Master Permit for compliance with Act 250 criteria, specifically focusing on the effect of the project…

Rural EZ/EC Benchmark Analysis

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. analyzed the EZ/EC Communities’ Annual Benchmark Progress Reports and prepared a summary document for the Community Partnership Center of the University of Tennessee. The report discussed areas of accomplishment, common…

Flexible Manufacturing Network for Wood Products Firms

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a paper on flexible manufacturing networks for wood products firms for the Maine Rural Development Council and the Maine State Planning Office. The paper includes a discussion of the network concept and profiles…

Learning Communities

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a paper on the concept of learning communities for the Appalachian Regional Commission. The paper focused on how to identify traits common to learning communities and how to foster the development of these community…

Forest Stewardship and Economic Development for Rural Communities

Yellow Wood received a grant from the Vermont Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research to prepare a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant proposal. Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. proposed to develop a Participatory Training Program…

Tug Hill Eastern Core Forest

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. used telephone interviews and literature reviews to prepare a case study based on the collaborative efforts of the East Branch of Fish Creek Working Group to conserve and protect the Tug Hill Eastern Core Forest

Upper Androscoggin River Valley Sustainable Tourism Study

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Appalachian Mountain Club in cooperation with Land Futures and Nordic Group International to assess the actual and potential contribution of the forestry and tourism industries, and alternative financing mechanisms…

Preliminary Survey of State Programs Supporting Rural Community Development

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Aspen Institute to survey eleven states supporting rural community development. The purpose of the work was to identify the role of state government in supporting communities after they have completed some…

Rural Development Options

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a publication for the Center for Rural Studies at the University of Vermont on rural development options, including main street revitalization, enterprise zones, community cooperatives, and small business incubators.

The Role of Social and Environmental Capital in Landscape Protection

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a chapter for a book on the role of social and environmental capital in landscape protection with the support of the Community and Rural Development Institute of Cornell University (CARDI).

Lake Placid Wal-Mart Economic Impact Review

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. reviewed and critiqued the economic impact statement prepared by Wal-Mart for their proposed Lake Placid site on behalf of the Lake Placid Residents for Responsible Growth.

Moriah Neighborhood Based Alliance and Economic Development Zone

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Neighborhood Based Alliance and the Economic Development Zone in Moriah, New York to provide assistance in community economic development. Tasks included a survey of retail spending by high school and resident…

Adirondack Council, Community Sustainability in the Adirondacks

Yellow Wood worked with The Adirondack Council to identify and assess the cultural, economic and social factors in the Adirondacks that provide both obstacles and opportunities to the emergence of strong, thriving communities. Work included detailed…

Connecticut River Joint Commissions, Connecticut River Valley: Opening New Markets for Agriculture, Conference and Report

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Connecticut River Joint Commissions of New Hampshire to plan a conference for growers, buyers and others interested. Results included a written summary of agricultural production and marketing trends in…

Institutional Arrangements Study for the Lake Champlain Basin

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. provided project management and conducted research on behalf of the Lake Champlain Management Conference to recommend possible alternatives, modifications and/or enhancements to existing institutional and funding arrangements…

Rural Women's Health Needs

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. worked with the Women's Studies Program and the University of Vermont to assess potential impacts on women of health policy proposals initiated by the Vermont Health Care Authority. Analysis included the areas of coverage,…

Water Resources and the Town of Champlain

Prepared case study of the Town of Champlain, New York on behalf of The Lake Champlain Management Conference to illustrate the complex connections between the town's water resources and its economy. Explored the potential impact of a Lake Champlain…

Newport Downtown Merchant's Association Economic Impact Analysis under Vermont’s Act 250

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. analyzed the potential economic impact on Newport of the proposed Derby Plaza in Derby, Vermont on behalf of the Newport Downtown Merchants’ Association. Prepared and delivered written and oral testimony before the District…

Economic and Fiscal Impacts of St. Albans Wal-Mart

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. reviewed and critiqued the economic impact statement prepared by Wal-Mart for their proposed St. Albans location on behalf of the Franklin-Grand Isle Regional Planning and Development Commission. Prepared and delivered…

Proposal for Snowmobile Industry Research and Development

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a successful proposal to the Regional Economic Development Strategy Council of Northern New York on behalf of the Development Authority of the North Country to study the potential for further development of the…

Wood Products Development Strategy

On behalf of the Adirondack North Country Association, Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a detailed primary and secondary wood product development strategy for six counties in northern New York. Work included extensive field and phone interviews…

The Adirondacks in the Twenty-First Century

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. served as an economic development consultant to the New York State Governor's Commission on “The Adirondacks in the Twenty-First Century.” Prepared a concept paper on economic development in the Adirondacks, published as…

North Country Region Cash Crop Feasibility Study

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a detailed feasibility study for production and intra-regional marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables in a six-county region of northern New York for the Town of Champlain Local Economic Development Corporation.…

Plainfield: Rural Character in Transition

Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. prepared a socio-economic study of the Town of Plainfield, Vermont, including detailed assessment of the impact of a proposed highway bypass, village revitalization, and agricultural assessment. The work also included a…