Here is a scaled down version of the process we have been using with our corridor planning groups. We by no means have a monopoly on process ideas, this is simply a process that has been working for us and the municipalities in the region.

There are still some problems, and many times - although we use this process to steer the group - there are many potholes (and sink holes) along the way which necessitate some flexible shocks. I would say the 2 largest diversions in the process are grandstanding and a tendency to focus on the minutia.

We have typically dealt with the former problem by getting as many stakeholders to the first meeting, and devote this first meeting (and sometimes part of the second) to getting everything out on the table. Not judging or even allowing rebuttals, just a "venting" session for concerns, problems, ideas and opportunities.

The second item is a little bit more tricky, but is usually handled by some education about what the process is about, and who is really responsible for something such as fixing a broken light or cleaning up the sand after winter. Many municipal officials and others simply do not understand how things work in the transportation world, and communication goes a long way. Often times the answer they receive is not the one they want, but they are happy just to receive an answer.

Tom Reinauer, Transportation Director
Southern Maine RPC & Kittery Area MPO
21 Bradeen St. Suite 304
Springvale, ME 04083
(207)324-2952 Ext. 18
(207)324-2958 fax
treinauer@smrpc.org
www.smrpc.org

As a follow up to Tom's flow chart on Monday, we are sending the webpage that SMRPC uses to host information about all of the corridor management groups we have in our region.

www.smrpc.org/transportation/corridor/corridor.htm

On this page you will find links to different corridor groups as well as the reports, analyses, plans, maps, data, meeting notes, and other information that staff have put together to document each process. Our experience is that each corridor management effort is a little different, based on how the groups see their opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses. For example, the focus of the 236 group (on the top of the page) was to maximize the public outreach end of the process. As a result, the group requested its own distinctive website, with easy access to news, documents, data, and a weblog, where people can leave comments (we are admittedly not having much luck with the weblog idea). But in each process you will find the commonalities that were documented in the flow chart Tom submitted earlier.

Josh Mack
Transportation Planner
Southern Maine RPC & KACTS Area MPO
21 Bradeen Street, Suite 304
Springvale, ME 04083
T: (207) 324-2952
F: (207) 324-2958
jmack@smrpc.org
www.smrpc.org