Learn about the language defining Regional Transportation Planning Organizations in MAP-21, including how states have set up their regional planning processes and what the fundamental responsibilities are.  This session will be a perfect introduction to the conference training for new attendees or organizations new to transportation planning, and to those seeking new models for regional planning work.

Speakers will include:

• Elina Zlotchenko, North Carolina DOT
• Ronda Allis, Region 9 Development Commission (MN)
• Katie Caskey, Minnesota DOT
• Moderator: Carrie Kissel, NADO

Learn the latest in applications and innovations making technology available to assist with transportation planning, such as asset management, project tracking, and mapping population data from local partners.

Speakers will include:

• Josh King, Land-of-Sky Regional Council (NC)
• Matthew Long, Pennsylvania DOT
• Greg Ulp, GeoDecisions (PA)
• Moderator: Bret Allphin, Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District (OH)

Hear how federal agencies are working together to deliver programs and resources to assist communities in rural and small metro regions, and from a local perspective how to overcome obstacles and to focus on implementation.

Speakers will include:

• John Frece, EPA Office of Sustainable Communities
• Patrick Tyndall, FHWA South Carolina Division
• Wayne Leftwich, City of Greenville, SC

Gathering meaningful input from stakeholders and the general public is not easy. Learn about techniques to engage stakeholders and build consensus to guide future regional plans.

Speakers will include:

• Kim Thurlow, New River Valley Planning District Commission (VA)
• Peter Keating, Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (VT)
• Moderator: Brian Carver, Bear River Association of Governments (UT)

Despite overall declines in fatalities in the U.S., over half of fatal crashes are still occurring in rural areas.  This session will focus on practices and resources for addressing safety in rural and small metro areas.

Speakers will include:

• Jesse Day, Piedmont Triad Regional Council (NC)
• Libby Thomas, UNC Highway Safety Research Center
• Stuart Thompson, FHWA Office of Safety
• Moderator: Nathan Miller, Upper Valley-Lake Sunapee Regional Commission (NH)

All attendees are encouraged to attend the meetings and join in on a discussion of how regional transportation planning organizations in rural and small metro areas can demonstrate their value in the planning process.

Participants will share information about promising new practices that are making a difference in regions across the nation.

Through a series of several short presentations, presenters will focus on the theme, how can rural and small metro regions and their partners work to improve transportation and mobility for people and goods?

Speakers will include:

• Jack Cebe, Alta Planning + Design
• Paul Black, Land-of-Sky Regional Council/French Broad River MPO (NC)
• Chris Cummings, Oregon DOT
• Pat Steed and Sherry Carver, Central Florida RPC

Incorporating public and local official input into a vision leads to the development of a long-term plan to guide transportation system priorities.  Learn from promising practices and how MAP-21 may change future plan updates.

Speakers include:

• Darrel Johnson, Virginia DOT
• Jake Gilmer, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission (VA)

Regional planning organizations, transit agencies, and others are increasingly turning to regional transit and mobility management strategies to ensure people can get where they need to go.

Speakers include:

• Ginnie Kozak, Lowcountry COG
• Doug Pilant, Tillamook County Transportation District

Having access to a safe transportation network with multiple modes can enhance communities and livability.  Learn about resources and case studies of how to improve mobility through active transportation.

• Elijah Sharp, New River Valley Planning District Commission (VA)
• Rachel Beyerle, Easter Seals Project Action
• Moderator: Lindsey Knutson, Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission

Learn how freight currently moves, how various future economic scenarios may place different demands on the transportation network, and what regional organizations can do to address freight. Session co-sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Speakers will include:

• Paula Dowell, Cambridge Systematics
• Mark Burton, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• Moderator: Jamie Pinson, Big Sandy Area Development District (KY)

The workshop descriptions and their fees are listed below. Some workshops require an additional fee to cover costs such as off-site transportation.

BMW Freight and Economic Development Tour ($25)

South Carolina’s automotive and ground transportation economic sector has been a major economic growth engine responsible for 84,000 jobs in the state.  BMW decided to locate its first manufacturing facility outside Germany in Spartanburg in 1992, which was intended to manufacture vehicles for export.  Now with 7,000 direct jobs and an extensive supplier network, the company is a major part of the automotive sector, with its significant economic and transportation impacts on the Upstate region and the whole state.  Learn about these issues and more during a plant tour and special presentation.

Road Safety Audit Workshop ($25)

Learn the fundamentals of conducting a Road Safety Audit (RSA) in this hands-on workshop conducted by trainers in FHWA’s training program.  An RSA is the formal safety performance examination of an existing or future road or intersection.  It is used to estimate and report on potential road safety issues and identify opportunities for improvements in safety for all road users.  This workshop will take attendees to the small town of Travelers Rest, SC, for a training setting appropriate for rural and small urban settings.

Downtown Greenville Economic Development Walking/Cycling Tour ($15)

During a walking tour, participants will learn how Greenville’s master planning process and public private partnerships have sparked revitalization of the city’s now vibrant downtown space.  Following the walking tour, participants will have the option to continue on a cycling tour to see the multi-use paved paths that have gained popularity and increased the area’s livability.

Getting a Perspective on the Human Landscape: Data, Public Involvement, and Project Development (no fee, but pre-registration recommended)

In this workshop, participants will learn WHERE to obtain data on the human and built environment, HOW data is used in transportation decision-making and their LIMITS of use, and use of field validation to improve quality and enhance project outcomes.

In a region known for its chronic economic distress, reliable, safe, and cost-efficient access to both domestic and global markets is essential for economic and employment success in the years ahead.  Join in the dialogue with the Appalachian Regional Commission on developing a multimodal, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-sector transportation network that can stimulate economic and employment success into the very heart of the 21st century.  Then, join the group for an informal dinner immediately following the session.  Local Development District staff are encouraged to attend.

No formal evening events are planned after the workshops, but for more networking opportunities, come to the Hyatt Regency Lobby at 6:00 p.m. to meet up with other attendees for informal group dinners.

Also, participants may be interested in attending the 7:05 p.m. game of the Greenville Drive (Red Sox affiliate) against the Lakewood Blue Claws (Phillies affiliate) at Fluor Field, which is modeled after Fenway Park and named “Ballpark of the Year” in 2006 by Ballparks.com.  Tickets start at $9 and can be purchased at the box office.  A free downtown trolley to Fluor Field runs past the Hyatt along Main Street before, during, and after the game.

Through this facilitated discussion session, learn from your peers about their challenges and successes in regional transportation planning practice related to a variety of topics, including rural safety, bicycle/pedestrian planning, regional organizations’ role in supporting statewide planning, engaging freight stakeholders, and more.

Six months into MAP-21 implementation, hear how the new legislation is shaping transportation practice, with updates from federal agency staff that will focus on significant policy issues for rural and small metropolitan areas and for planning at RTPOs, MPOs, state DOTs, and their partners.

Speakers include:

• Harlan Miller, FHWA Office of Planning
• Stefan Natzke, FHWA Office of Human Environment
• Stuart Thompson, FHWA Office of Safety
• Moderator: Joe McKinney, NADO