Final Report

The Highway 12 Comprehensive Corridor Economic Analysis final report can be found here.

Information on R/UDAT Program

REGIONAL AND URBAN DESIGN ASSISTANCE TEAM (R/UDAT), A PROGRAM OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS ~ COMMUNITIES BY DESIGN

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a 45-year history of public service work, helping communities come together, articulate their vision and realize their dreams.  Over 1,000 professional from more than 30 disciplines have provided millions of dollars in professional pro bono services to more than 200 communities across the country, engaging thousands of participants in community-driven planning processes.  R/UDATS have led to some of the most recognizable places in America, such as San Francisco’s Embarcadero, Portland’s Pearl District, and the Santa Fe Rail Yard Park.

WHAT IS R/UDAT?

Created in 1967, the AIA’s R/UDAT program pioneered the modern day “charrette” process involving a very experienced team of 6-10 planners, architects, facilitators and other relevant disciplines - all volunteers - in 4 intense, dynamic days (and nights!) of high-level dialogue with businesses, nonprofits, community members and the public sector to produce community visions, action plans and recommendations. 

HOW IT WORKS?

From start to finish, a community owns the process and the ultimate plan.  First, a community recognizes and commits to addressing unfulfilled potential for itself.  Second, a broad cross-section of the community works together to demonstrate commitment to the process and outcome by raising resources (in-kind or cash) to cover expenses related to the four days of tours, public workshops, small group sessions, stakeholder interviews, formal meetings and presentation. 

A local host committee applies to the AIA for selection as a R/UDAT program, educates the community about the program, enlists participation and support, and organizes and hosts the R/UDAT team and work sessions.  The final work product from the team is a multiyear, multifaceted plan and prioritized recommendations for short and long term improvements, policies and developments.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The expenses include services like transportation, lodging, meals, printing, office supplies, media outreach, meeting space.  Most if not all expenses can be covered through in-kind contributions from the community at large; such participation literally and figuratively secures local buy-in to the process.  Generally, these expenses total approximately $50k - $60k.

WHY ARE R/UDATs SPECIAL?

Three guiding principles set R/UDATs apart from other planning efforts.

1.    Multi-disciplinary expertise.  Each project benefits from a team of seasoned experts that is tailored to address the specific complex needs and wants of the community.  They examine issues and solutions from various viewpoints and incorporate insightful best practices in an integrated and reality-based approach.

2.    Enhanced objectivity.  The goal of each team member is to provide communities with a framework for action.  As volunteers deliberately selected from outside the area who are not trying to build their business, they bring technical expertise and objectivity that transcends normal politics and best serves the public interest.

3.    Public participation:  The AIA has four decades of practice engaging communities large and small.  This is leveraged by working with and through local stakeholders to build on the substantial local expertise and knowledge already present and availability within the community.

The professional services that are rendered through a R/UDAT process have been valued at almost $200,000.  Most importantly, R/UDAT projects have been successful catalysts for dramatic, positive change.

Clink on the link below for a short film on the R/UDAT program:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLxenuomss

Highway 12 Corridor Economic Analysis

On June 28th, the Solano Economic Development Corporation sponsored a workshop where our consultant economist, Dr. Fountain, provided the results of the eight month Hwy 12 Comprehensive Economic Study. As we discussed with the Rio Vista Chamber last Feb 29th and at two of the Hwy 12 Association meetings, the results will provide an insight as to what could happen economically to the Hwy 12 corridor if it were widened to enable more efficient traffic capacity. The Rio Vista Bridge alignment is NOT part of this economic study and will not be a topic of the presentation that evening. Mitch Conner and Peter Stanley from ArchiLOGIX will be leading the workshop where we intend to gather input/comments/ideas from the attendees. This input will be incorporated in a report presented to the Solano Transportation Authority Board.

A copy of Dr. Robert Fountain's final report can be found here.

A copy of Dr. Robert Fountain's summary can be found here.

A copy of Dr. Fountain's PowerPoint can be found here.

A copy of ArchiLogix PowerPoint can be found here.

Click here to complete the workshop questionnaire.