ECOnorthwest

ECOnorthwest

Independent policy research guiding equitable outcomes

Overview

ECOnorthwest provides public policy research focusing on housing, land use, natural resources, education, and the social safety net to improve human outcomes. Their work blends economics with insights from other disciplines in an independent, rigorous, and equity-conscious way. They deliver clear guidance to help policymakers and business leaders make informed decisions across communities in the United States. Their goal is to create a path to a better world by informing policy with trustworthy analysis. ECOnorthwest has offices in Portland, Seattle, Bend, Boise, and Los Angeles.

About ECOnorthwest

Simplify's Rating
Why ECOnorthwest is rated
C+
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated C on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Consulting

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Portland, Oregon

Founded

1974

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • May 2026 Oregon Talent Assessment keeps ECOnorthwest embedded in statewide workforce planning.
  • February 2026 projects on AVID Elementary and 82nd Ave expand education and housing demand.
  • Q2 2026 mentions in Oregon media reinforce ECOnorthwest as a trusted policy authority.

What critics are saying

  • ECOnorthwest depends on government contracts; Oregon HECC and OHCS budget cuts hit 2027 revenue.
  • Advisory firms like ECONorthwest face fee pressure from Deloitte, ECON, and local planning consultancies.
  • If public agencies shift to in-house analytics, ECOnorthwest loses its core consulting pipeline.

What makes ECOnorthwest unique

  • ECOnorthwest combines economics, planning, and public policy for housing, education, and land-use work.
  • Since 1974, ECOnorthwest has sold independent research, not software, to governments and nonprofits.
  • Its 2026 Oregon Talent Assessment and 82nd Ave plan show deep state-policy specialization.

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Benefits

Hybrid Work Options

Company News

iSector
Jan 14th, 2026
Major Murdock Trust Investment Marks a Milestone for iSector

Major Murdock Trust investment marks a milestone for iSector. Holiday update & funding news. As iSector look back on an incredibly productive year, iSector is grateful for the leaders, partners, and communities who make its work possible. This year has brought significant progress across multiple fronts, from statewide housing and rural capacity-building, to supporting innovation in the mass timber sector and cross-sector partnerships across a variety of initiatives. The message is becoming clearer that iSector cannot solve 21st century problems with 20th century structures. Fragmentation is failing communities and multi-sector partnership delivers. iSector is excited to close out 2025 by sharing a major new investment from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, as well as a new Business Oregon award supporting its statewide housing assistance work. These grants strengthen its long-term capacity and position iSector for continued growth in 2026. Murdock Trust grant awarded. iSector is pleased to announce a $454,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. This three-year investment is a significant milestone for iSector, strengthening its long-term sustainability and supporting its business and organizational development plans. The Murdock Trust's decision reflects a strong endorsement of iSector's multi-sector model and mission. In awarding the grant, the Trust noted that their support recognizes its positive impact and growing value to communities and partners across the state. This award also ensures organizational capacity and leadership stability as iSector continue developing new programs and expanding statewide initiatives. It follows a yearlong, highly collaborative process involving staff, board members, and key partners. iSector is deeply grateful to the Murdock Trust for their investment in its future, and to the many iSector Board Members who contributed to the planning, meetings, and documentation that made this award possible. Business Oregon Infrastructure grant. iSector has received a $100,000 Housing Infrastructure Support Fund (HISF) grant from Business Oregon. These funds advance its statewide housing technical assistance work and help iSector guide communities through feasibility, site readiness, planning, and project development needs. Through this award, iSector will continue multi-sector work on behalf of Oregon communities that are eager to move workforce and middle-income housing forward but face capacity, financing, and administrative barriers. Its support can include: iSector aim to support small and rural jurisdictions and look forward to partnering with local leaders to turn housing concepts into real projects. Communities interested in exploring housing feasibility or project development support in 2026 are encouraged to contact iSector directly at [email protected]. Oregon housing innovation partnership (HIP) report coming soon. In collaboration with ECONorthwest and the Oregon Community Foundation, iSector is developing a statewide housing innovation analysis. A preview of this work was shared at the Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit earlier in December, featuring an interactive game show session that highlighted barriers to housing production, bold ideas for consideration, and the coordinated multi-sector action required to accelerate statewide housing development. A full report will be released in early 2026. Learn more about the HIP here. Looking ahead to 2026. With new resources, iSector will continue to expand its work across Oregon, including: * * Rural City-County Resource Network (RCRN) development * Policy and Investment Alignment work with the PNW Mass Timber Tech Hub * Piloting approaches to housing financing and co-investment models * Housing assistance (email iSector for help at [email protected]) These investments strengthen iSector's ability to help Oregon communities move ideas into action, and to turn innovative concepts into real outcomes on the ground. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. From all of iSector at iSector, iSector wish you a joyful holiday season and a hopeful start to the new year!

KPAX
Aug 7th, 2023
Plans for midtown, Fairgrounds eye broad pedestrian access

The Missoula Midtown Association has partnered with ECONorthwest to create a master plan for the area.

ECOnorthwest
Jul 21st, 2022
Econw launched third Talent Assessment on Jun 21st 22'.

ECONorthwest recently released Oregon’s third Talent Assessment, which Econw developed for the Oregon Workforce and Talent Development Board and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

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