Modeling and Analysis Needs and Resources for Small Metropolitan Area Transportation Planning: Report on a Peer Exchange

Monday, August 29, 2011, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Theme of the Day: "Where Do We Stand?"

Overview of Peer Exchange 8:30 - 9:00
- Genesis, participation, desired outcomes and products, discussion format, agenda review and adjustment, travel reimbursement and other logistics
Introductions of Participants 9:00 - 9:30
Review of Participant Questionnaire 9:30 - 10:00
- Overview and Summary of issues raised by the participant questionnaire
Break 10:00 - 10:15
Modeling and Analysis in the Planning Process 10:15 - 11:45
- What are your agency's activities and planning products (required, optional, and special requests), and how does your organization perform those?
- What role does modeling and analysis play in your planning process, and how well do your current approaches meet your organizational needs?
Lunch 11:45 - 12:45
Organizational Support for Modeling and Analysis 12:45 - 2:00
- Who builds your model? Maintains it? Runs it? Pays for it? What resource challenges have you faced, and how have you met them?
Break 2:00 - 2:15
Data Resources 2:15 - 3:45
- What data do you use in your planning process (not just for modeling and technical analysis)? Are there data you would like that you have trouble getting or maintaining?
Challenges to Effective Modeling and Analysis 3:45 - 5:00
- What is missing in your modeling and analysis practice, or holding you back?

Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
Theme of the Day: "Where Would We Like to Be, and How Do We Get There?"

Review of Day One 8:30 - 9:00
Good Practices in Modeling and Analysis 9:00 - 10:00
- What are the best examples of good practice that you have heard, especially things that might help your own practice?
Break 10:00 - 10:15
Future Resources and Recommendations 10:15 - 11:30
- What additional resources (dedicated funding, organizational support, training, low-cost tools, research) would be most beneficial to you, and to other MPOs?

Recap and Adjournment