EcoNorthwest study projects billions in output; council asks for data and methodology

Mike Wilkerson, director of economic research at EcoNorthwest, told council the consultant used a dynamic model that separates local and out-of-region revenues and projects both construction and long-term operational impacts. He said "about 65% of all dollars that support operations come from out of region" and that, under modeling assumptions, operations through 2045 could support about $14,000,000,000 of incremental economic output and roughly 3,000 jobs annually on average.

Several councilors, including Councilor Greene, said the presentation's topline claims required substantiation and asked the consultant to provide detailed methodology, assumptions and the data inputs. Wilkerson said the work was conducted in late fall and spring and that he would provide technical documentation and assumptions on request. Councilors stressed they need that material to evaluate claims used to justify public spending and bonding mechanics.