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TH 61 Visioning and Jurisdictional Transfer Study | Washington County <br /> 1 <br />EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br />1Executive Summary/Approach and Methodology <br />Taking into consideration the draft goals contained in the RFP and our early coordination with representatives from Washington County, the City of Hugo, and MnDOT, the Bolton & Menk team has developed three primary goals that we believe are mutually agreeable to all study partners: »Define a long-term vision for Highway 61 that is innovative, realistic, fundable, and ensures safety, mobility, economic vitality, resiliency, and access for all modes of travel »Secure public and agency support for the corridor vision »Develop a detailed implementation plan outlining future improvements, sequencing and triggers, timing, cost, and agency responsibility <br />We believe there are two main project risks or barriers to achieving the above goals: »Not having the appropriate agency engagement during the study such that buy-in for the vision and plan does not result in buy-in as the vision is incrementally implemented as development occurs »The jurisdictional transfer plan is never fully implemented and the vision never realized due to lack of funding <br />Engaging a consultant team with the leadership and experience to navigate the process will be critical to developing buy-in for and momentum to realize the vision. We propose the following as key components of our approach toward a successful project: »Hosting a goal-setting session at the beginning of the study involving representatives, including elected officials, from Washington County, the City of Hugo, and MnDOT. We suggest inviting one of MnDOT’s assistant commissioners. The purpose of this meeting would be to agree upon study objectives and facilitate commitment to following through on implementation of the vision. »Developing a jurisdictional transfer plan that includes specificity regarding funding needs and timing and creativity in identifying sources. <br />The objective of our proposal is to communicate the Bolton & Menk team’s ability to successfully lead corridor vision studies that develop consent among the public and stakeholder agencies and result in constructed solutions that serve the needs of the community. <br />See our issues map on the following page for <br /> more insight into this corridor study. <br />APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY <br />Beth’s approach to project management is organized, proactive, and collaborative. This is how she will effectively lead the visioning study process, resulting in an implementable plan. <br />Schedule <br />Beth likes to check in with the county project manager and other key team leaders regularly to make sure the project is on the right track, not only from a schedule perspective, but also from the standpoint of ensuring the team is strategically working toward the established goals. The schedule will be updated throughout the study and will include separate biweekly check-in calls with both the county project manager and consultant task leaders. During these regular check-ins, we will reflect on previous engagements and look ahead to upcoming meetings and milestones. This will help ensure key deliverables are prepared far enough in advance for discussion and review and timely decisions are made. <br />Project Management Team (PMT) Meetings <br />Bolton & Menk will hold monthly PMT meetings to provide project updates, discuss upcoming milestones/events, and ensure activities align with established project goals and objectives. PMT members are anticipated to include Washington County, City of <br />Hugo, and MnDOT staff. City of Forest Lake staff will join for discussions regarding jurisdictional transfer of the corridor. PMT meetings may occasionally include additional department/functional group representatives from the partner agencies to provide insights on specialty topics. To make efficient use of everyone’s time, it is important that PMT meetings are well planned. Toward this end, the Bolton & Menk team will outline agendas for each PMT meeting at least one week in advance so all partners know what to expect and have adequate time to prepare. Building consensus with the study group will largely happen via PMT meetings, which makes these meetings critically important. We highly recommend these meetings be held in-person whenever possible to develop a true sense of teamwork. We also believe it is essential that each stakeholder agency on the PMT is regularly represented by staff who will be involved in implementing the jurisdictional transfer plan when the time comes. In the case of MnDOT, we recommend there be at least one representative from Metro’s East Area Program Delivery team. <br />PUBLIC AND AGENCY INVOLVEMENT2 <br />At Bolton & Menk, we believe in providing relevant public and agency engagement opportunities that are built around the principles of Systematic Development of <br />Informed Consent (SDIC). <br />PROJECT MANAGEMENT1 <br />Our team will work through a series of investigations and evaluations to fully understand existing conditions, set reasonable goals and objectives, develop and evaluate feasible concepts, provide recommendations, and complete the conceptual design and environmental screening. Our approach includes ongoing discussions with stakeholders, finalizing steps along the way to minimize the potential for surprises. We have outlined the process we feel will effectively provide sustainable recommendations for corridor improvements that are technically feasible, economically viable, environmentally compatible, and publicly acceptable.