Economic Development Strategy, Planning, and Evaluation
Mt. Auburn provides a full range of consulting services in the field of economic development analysis and strategy. Working with a variety of public and private organizations, the firm creates effective economic development policies and programs that promote economic growth and stability, job generation, and the improved functioning of capital markets.
about us
evaluation
Mt. Auburn views evaluations as fundamentally a learning exercise. At Mt. Auburn, we help our clients to identify and assess anticipated program outcomes, to better understand those elements of its programs that are more or less effective, and to refine its activities to better meet its intended outcomes.
To accomplish these goals, Mt. Auburn emphasizes the following in our approach:
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Clear articulation of the development program or “model” being evaluated.
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Design of performance measures that are consistent with the program “model.”
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Use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.
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Measurement of developmental and institutional impacts. While they may defy quantification, documenting these important impacts is critical.
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Close collaboration between the consultants and the client -- involving learning and teaching on both sides.
Mt. Auburn’s evaluation work has included both process and outcome evaluations. The firm has completed several community level evaluations in addition to numerous multi-site state and national evaluations. Our clients include the U.S. Economic Development Administration, several states, and foundations.
representative projects
Evaluation of the Fund for Our Economic Future, Northeast Ohio.
Evaluation of The Heinz Endowments’ Economic Opportunity Program.
Evaluation of Skillworks (previously the Boston Workforce Development Initiative).
Evaluation of the Career Ladders Initiative: Fleet Charitable Trusts.
Evaluation of the Working Capital Micro-Enterprise Lending Program.
Evaluation of Oregon’s Regional Strategies Program.
Evaluation of Ohio’s Thomas Edison Technology Centers. Mt. Auburn Associates led an evaluation team that included Brian Bosworth, Arthur D. Little, Inc., and Brandon Roberts+Associates, in examining the appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the operations of the state’s Edison Centers, three of which were centered in Northeast Ohio at the time. The Centers are state-supported, university-industry-government consortia whose mission is to promote economic development through linking the needs of Ohio manufacturers for technology development and transfer with the expertise resident in the state’s research institutions. The project methodology included a survey of Center users, on-site visits, and document review. The final report, prepared for the Ohio Department of Development, provided recommendations for improving the operations of each Center and the Edison Center Program as a whole.
Evaluation of Maine New Century Program.
Evaluation of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center Program.
