Building infrastructure for scaled impact

River City Research partners with nonprofits and public agencies working to improve communities. We know that lasting impact takes more than dedication—it requires clear insight into what’s working, what’s changing, and where to focus next.

We help organizations measure, monitor, and communicate progress using practical evaluation methods and clear data tools. By combining rigorous research with accessible visualization and reporting, we turn complex information into evidence that supports decisions, builds credibility, and strengthens your message.

Tools and platforms

Our work is grounded in five core principles:

  • Trust — building credible, transparent information people can rely on
  • Equity — designing solutions so insights are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to real community conditions
  • Learning — using evidence to reflect, adapt, and improve over time
  • Decisions — providing information that supports action, not just reporting
  • Collaboration — showing up as thoughtful collaborators invested in your success

Your research river guide and fellow navigator

With more than 25 years of experience across the public, philanthropic, and technology sectors, Mason Burley, PhD, MPA, brings a deep understanding of how data can support better decisions and stronger community outcomes. His work has focused on helping organizations use evidence not just to report results, but to learn, adapt, and collaborate more effectively.

Mason has led and supported multi-sector initiatives throughout his career, including serving as CEO of the civic research nonprofit Urbanova, Director of Research at the Innovia Foundation, and a senior researcher with the Washington State Institute for Public Policy. He is a member of the Leap of Reason Ambassadors Community and teaches in the Graduate Certificate for Program Evaluation at Eastern Washington University.

Mason holds a doctorate in Health Services Research from Washington State University and a Certificate in Advanced Evaluation Practice from The Evaluators Institute at Claremont Graduate University. He founded River City Research to help mission-driven organizations turn complex data into clear, actionable insight—and to support work that is credible, meaningful, and built to scale.