A force for good
Get results—not just reports
You’re here because you value informed analysis and thoughtful discussion. We partner with people and organizations who want to make lasting change that creates the greatest good. It feels different to work with us because we bring a fresh perspective, mutual trust, and infectious energy to every project.
Our services
Research & Data analytics
We collect, analyze and interpret information so you can better understand complex issues.
Strategic planning
Navigating uncertainty and taking action requires a solid plan with sound advice and clear direction.
Public policy development
We deliver lasting impact through the development of smart, effective polices that stand the test of time.
Program evaluation
We compare goals to outcomes to understand how systems are working—or not working.
Program design & Implementation
Our services go beyond conventional consulting by supporting program design and implementation to move you from idea to action with confidence.
Meeting facilitation & Consensus building
We facilitate fact-based conversations and build consensus to advance ideas, break through barriers and understand what matters most to your work.
Stakeholder & Community engagement
One of the most effective ways to shape policy decisions is to demonstrate that a significant number of people with diverse perspectives agree on the best path forward.
Strategic Counsel
We’re your tested and trusted resource for insight and thought partnership that’s pragmatic and actionable.
Financial Analysis
Engage expert level financial insights, strategy and risk analysis to make sound decisions that are responsive to your program and policy goals.
Economic Studies
We combine rigorous research methods with subject matter policy expertise to uncover trends, measure impact and identify opportunities that shape Michigan’s economic future.
Make an impact
After you put in the hard work of finding agreement, solving problems, improving systems, or creating good policy—or maybe all the above—it’s time to let the rubber meet the road. We can help you communicate with your audience to drive action in powerful ways and amplify the outcomes of your work. We are your partner in facilitating coalition building and generating public awareness to produce positive change. Whatever it takes, we will help you connect to your audience and strengthen your message to communicate results.
How can we help you?
Research
To get a full grasp on the challenges you face, you need impartial research that is thorough, thoughtful, and rigorous. Our ability to collect, analyze, and interpret information helps you better understand complex issues, make informed decisions, and develop effective strategies for making change. The research results may not always tell you what you want to hear, but we’ll give you the best information and analysis available so you can make the best possible decisions. We let the data—not opinions or anecdotes—inform the outcome.
Evaluation
If you really want to figure out what is and isn’t working for your organization, programs, or initiatives, you need a systematic, unbiased assessment that gets under the hood. With reliable intel from interviews, focus groups, and surveys, we work with you to sort through the results and figure out how to move forward. We help you crystalize your objectives, determine strategies, and identify how to expand positive impacts. We strongly believe in engaging a diverse mix of people in this process and deeply value inclusion at every step. We take the time to learn about the issues you struggle with, the environments you work in, the populations you serve, and the funders who hold you accountable.
Facilitation
You likely already know that one of the most effective ways to shape policy decisions is to demonstrate that a significant number of people with diverse perspectives agree on the best path forward. We understand that finding common ground can be delicate work. Our emphasis on collaboration, trust, and tolerance for diverging opinions helps you focus on finding untapped opportunities. Using proven processes to take in numerous inputs and lived experience, then expertly challenge assumptions, we build an inclusive environment to authentically engage people of all walks of life and land on real-world solutions for your toughest challenges.
Strategy
Your strategy should evolve over time as you learn more about the issues you’re confronting. We know that navigating uncertainty and mobilizing for change requires a solid plan with sound advice and clear direction. Our strategic guidance enables you to make practical decisions within context. In some cases, we may draw on our diverse networks and deep roots in government and public affairs. In other cases, we work with you to develop and refine policy recommendations to advance your goals. We advise boards and task forces on how to strike the right balance between strategic direction and effective action. We counsel organizations and coalitions on defining value, grappling with policy issues, and working together to make progress.
Implementation
Sometimes you simply need an extra hand to guide an initiative or program as it goes out into the world. When you work with us, you benefit from our full suite of services, including our exceptional operational and management expertise. We blend our content knowledge with our process planning know-how to help you turn sound research into highly effective initiatives. Our services go beyond conventional consulting by supporting program operations. We work with you to build capacity, design valuable systems, and grow good ideas into successful outcomes.
Communication
It’s not just what you’re saying—it’s how you’re saying it and who’s hearing it that really resonates. We can show you how to amplify project outcomes using innovative methods and tried-and-true tactics. Our editorial staff reviews every piece of content we produce to make sure your communications are articulate and accurate. Our designers make anything in print or pixels look polished and professional. With longstanding relationships in government, public affairs, and the media, we can help connect you and your message to policymakers and thinkers.