Dan Leahy papers, 1936-1984

Dan Leahy established Burke Leahy Associates (BLA), a public policy consulting firm in 1979 in Wenatchee, Washington. Its first contract was with the Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County in 1979. The purpose was to determine how the Public Utility District can best communicate with and make essential information available to the public. Other consultant contracts involved public power nationally and in Washington state.

Leahy, along with Bethany Weidner, incorporated the National Public Power Institute (NPPI) in Washington on January 28, 1981. It was designated a 501(c)(3) organization in July 1981. The NPPI provided research and support for groups or individuals concerned with local public ownership of electric utilities or other energy or community resources. The NPPI was also heavily involved in the Washington Public Power Supply controversy, providing leadership and information about Washington state public power history, law, and institutions.

Progress under Democracy (PUD) was formed on July 10, 1981 to support candidates for local/state office. PUD sponsored a strategy session in 1981 to support candidates for Public Utility District Commissions. The candidates they supported believed in the original mandate to conserve the water and power resources of the county for the benefit of the people.