117931 | Regional TOP Competitive Administration 2022-23

This project supports ongoing administration, strategic planning, and priority-setting work for the regional competitive Travel Options Program (TOP), which funds implementation of TDM projects in Southeastern PA.
In FY2021, DVRPC convened a new Regional TDM Advisory Committee with relevant partner agencies, which developed and help staff reach consensus on goals, objectives, and an initial Vision Statement for this new regional approach to prioritizing TDM strategies in the DVRPC region, and incorporating new efforts. This Committee also helped develop and prioritize strategies to guide the selected pilot projects for testing, and helped determine ways to measure performance and impact. This planning and administration work also includes ongoing peer/best practice assessment for successful historic and current TDM plans and programs, here and in other regions, and evaluation of current plans and data that can be used to inform new priorities.
This project can include development and oversight of competitive expression of interest (EOI) and project application process(es), and establishing tracking procedures for measuring the impact of the program's projects and tasks. It may include outreach on release of the EOI and subsequent updates on selected projects. DVRPC also manages the contracts and invoicing activities with each of the selected grantees under this program.
A performance-based and outcome-driven approach to developing, evaluating, selecting, and undertaking projects will help staff and stakeholders strengthen existing TDM programs, and determine new longer-term initiatives that can serve as a foundation for the regional TDM portfolio in future years. Completion of this work may require the purchase of equipment or services.
Tasks
1. Convene regular meetings and/or workshops of the Regional TDM Advisory Committee, comprised of DVRPC member governments, State DOTs, transit agencies, partner MPOs and others, as appropriate, to continue providing input to and support for the Regional TDM Program.
2. Manage administrative functions associated with grants and reporting, as well as contract management and accounting activities.
3. Based on the outcomes of funded projects, including pilot programs, and relevant TDM practice nationally, further develop and prioritize strategies and pilot programs for testing in the DVRPC region, as well as ways to measure performance. Document historic and ongoing TDM activities, in our region and nationally, as applicable, and consider relevant, available plans and data that can be used to inform new regional priorities for action.
4. In collaboration with multiple departments across DVRPC, continue to monitor and report on COVID-related travel and behavior changes and their implications for TDM strategies, as relevant.
5. Review and revise, if necessary, the Regional TDM Plan (vision, goals, outcomes, and strategies) for our approach to TDM in the DVRPC region. Maintain a living strategic plan of priority TDM projects that builds on current activities and success, and also cultivates new strategies for trial, evaluation, and growth.
6. Based on the outcome of initial pilot projects, continue to develop proposed 'early action' projects for advisory committee consideration, with programs added to PA and NJ TIPs as appropriate.