The Washington Policy Center (WPC), a Seattle-based public-policy research organization, has entered the Spokane market and has hired Chris Cargill to direct its operations here.

Cargill, a Spokane native and Gonzaga University graduate, says the organization has leased a small work space at the Greater Spokane Incorporated building downtown, at 801 W. Riverside. The office will open in January, but Cargill will be traveling often to 20 counties throughout Eastern Washington. He will be the Spokane office's only employee initially, he says.

"We really believe there is important work to be done on the east side of the state," Cargill says. "By opening an office here, WPC is showing its commitment once again to Eastern Washington issues and the people of our region."

The organization also hopes to open an office in the Tri-Cities area eventually, he says.

The Washington Policy Center is a nonpartisan research and education organization that publishes studies, sponsors events and conferences, and educates citizens on public-policy issues, the organization says. With an annual budget of $1.5 million, its mission is to provide accurate, high-quality research for policy makers, the media, and the public.

Cargill, who has worked in broadcasting for 10 years, most recently was a producer at KXLY-TV, of Spokane.