About Us

Headwaters Economics is an independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions. We inform community decision-making and identify practical solutions by making complex data understandable, beautiful, and interactive, helping develop solutions to some of the most urgent and important issues that communities face.

Based in Bozeman and Helena, Montana, Headwaters Economics receives funding from a wide variety of sources as part of our mission to improve community development and land management decisions. Our revenue comes from numerous places, including contracts with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service; charitable foundations; and contract work for partner organizations.

Where we work

Headwaters Economics’ tools and data are used by federal and state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and charitable foundations. Our work spans the country, from rural counties to large metropolitan cities.

Our Products & Services

We inform community decision-making and identify practical solutions by making complex data understandable, beautiful, and interactive.

Economic Research

We synthesize our economic analyses in easy-to-read, beautifully laid out reports.

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Socioeconomic Profiles

Our tools provide customized reports of key demographic and economic indicators.

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Data Visualizations

We create interactive dashboards and visualizations to tell a socioeconomic story.

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Trusted Experts

Headwaters Economics’ team brings decades of expertise, a commitment to rigorous research, and a deep dedication to helping communities thrive in a changing world.

Kelly Pohl

Associate Director

Kelly is Associate Director of Headwaters Economics. With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, she oversees operations and quality control, tracks national policies, coordinates communications, and manages programs to meet organizational goals.

Dan Center

Dan oversees Headwaters Economics’ finances and contracts and contributes to research on community development, land management, and outdoor recreation. Environmental stewardship and livable communities have been common themes in his two decades of professional experience.

Doug Green

Doug manages Headwaters Economics’ Community Assistance for Wildfire program. With more than two decades of professional experience in fire departments and as a land use planner, Doug brings practical insights to communities working to reduce risks from wildfires.