Johnson Economics

JOHNSON ECONOMICS completed a highest and best uses analysis for a 40-acre property in Beaverton, Oregon.  Proposed land uses included single family homes, rental apartment and a commercial center.  Our work included market evaluation of the constituent land uses, as well as preparation of a market needs analysis in support of a comprehensive plan change to allow for the commercial development.  The project has subsequently been developed as 45 Central. 

JOHNSON ECONOMICS completed a comprehensive economic and fiscal impact analysis of 1 million square feet of biotech, office, industrial, hotel, retail and residential development in Seattle’s South Lake Union district. The analysis is being used by both Vulcan and the City of Seattle to plan redevelopment of South Lake Union and expansion of Seattle’s nationally recognized biotech industry.

JOHNSON ECONOMICS prepared a fiscal and economic impact analysis of the financing, construction and operation of a baseball stadium.  The stadium would serve as the future home of a professional Class A baseball team as well as housing a variety of other uses.  We prepared a 10- and 20-year cost benefit analysis of facility construction and operations. This report considered on-going revenue streams from direct, indirect, and induced fiscal impacts, as well as operating revenues. In addition to evaluating the local impact of construction and operations, the work included an assessment of the economic value of prospective events lost or impacted by the construction activity and case studies of other similar facilities.

The City of Milwaukie hired JOHNSON ECONOMICS to assist in determining the optimal development program for a publicly owned site in their downtown area and selecting a future private development partner for the site.  Johnson Economics determined the highest and best use of the property from both a market and public policy perspective.  The first phase provided detailed market information, outlining current market and demographic characteristics in the Milwaukie area.  The market information was used to assist the city in determining a mix of uses on the site. The development program established was used to solicit proposals from developers.  This process was successful, and a mixed-use development was subsequently completed at the site.

Johnson Economics provided strategic input to the City of Lake Oswego on the financial viability and requirements of a mixed-use development.  The work included review and critical evaluation of the developer’s pro formas, as well as strategic input on market and financial risks.  The project broke ground in October 2015 and was completed in the Spring of 2018.

JOHNSON ECONOMICS prepared an economic and fiscal impact analysis of construction and operation of a new Arts and Culture Center (ACC) in downtown Beaverton.  The facility will serve as a venue, gallery, educational facility and gathering place, with a wide range of activities.  The venue is expected to be approximately 40,000 feet, and include a 400 to 500 seat theater, a second smaller theater, classroom space, a café and meeting rooms.  The project is expected to cost roughly $38 million to construct. 

JOHNSON ECONOMICS completed a fiscal and economic impact analysis of the proposed 7,400-acre Suncadia Resort in Kittitas County, Washington.  The analysis included detailed direct population and recreation forecasts at the resort, indirect forecasts for Kittitas County, a labor force evaluation, employment and payroll forecasts (direct, indirect & induced), impacts on the real estate and housing markets.  The assignment also included an assessment of the net impact on service providers, including the school district, fire district, hospital district, police and general County services. 

JOHNSON ECONOMICS completed a community impact analysis for proposed correctional facilities in Madras and Junction City, Oregon. The assignments included ongoing work with a citizen advisory committee.  Impacts evaluated included the fiscal impact on relevant service providers, as well as a forecast of direct, indirect and induced economic impacts.  

Johnson Economics helped PNCA quantify the economic impacts associated with its new developments as well as on-going operations of the existing campus.  The College was in the midst of a major capital campaign, which allowed for consolidation of campus, living and gallery spaces along the North Park Blocks.   Current and new facilities include:

• Pacific Northwest College of Art

• Feldman Gallery + Project Space

• The Museum of Contemporary Crafts

• ArtHouse Student Housing

• Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Center for Art and Design

Johnson Economics provided strategic market and development analysis in support of concept planning of the Burnside Bridgehead site in Portland, Oregon.  The concept plan was designed to provide for viable development forms in the current challenging real estate and financing market.  The work included the creation of a strategic development plan, which provided for interim development steps that would support ongoing growth on the site as well as in the broader area. 

The firm subsequently worked with private developers to implement components of the plan, including Key Development and Beam.