Cemetery Siting Analysis to Expand Access for Washington Veterans

Honoring Veterans Through Thoughtful Cemetery Planning

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) is dedicated to serving those who served. As part of its mission to honor veterans and their families, WDVA sought to expand burial access in underserved regions of Washington. To achieve this, the agency partnered with FLO to identify suitable locations for new veterans cemeteries across the state.

Using Data to Solve Complex Siting Challenges

Cemetery siting requires balancing community needs, environmental sensitivity, and technical feasibility. FLO combined Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to evaluate potential locations in southeastern and northwestern Washington—two regions with growing veteran populations but limited burial options.

In southeastern Washington, we analyzed a 75-mile radius around the Tri-Cities, factoring in veteran demographics, population growth, mortality rates, and cremation trends. In northwestern Washington, we studied eight counties north of Tahoma National Cemetery to identify service gaps and forecast long-term demand.

Delivering Clear, Defensible Recommendations

By integrating demographic, geographic, and regulatory data, FLO developed suitability models that identified optimal cemetery locations and projected future burial needs. These models gave WDVA objective, defensible recommendations to guide long-term planning and investment.

Supporting Funding and Long-Term Sustainability

FLO’s analyses equipped WDVA with the tools needed to make informed decisions and secure funding for both projects. These future cemeteries will ensure that Washington’s veterans—and their families—are honored with accessible, sustainable, and dignified final resting places for generations to come.