Hello and welcome to my website!

 

My name is Ryan Thompto, I am a Senior Policy Analyst at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). In this position, I perform professional and technical work leading, researching, analyzing, and writing policy analysis in CMAP’s Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs division. I manage multiple projects, including CMAP's Equitable Engagement Program and the Transportation Equity Framework. I also participate on project teams that require investigating, conducting analyses and preparing recommendations, reports, and data visualizations. In my role, I design empirical research processes, data collection, data quality assurance, and data contextualization through analysis, data visualization, and written plan content. I guide projects through preparation for external consideration with Government Affairs and Communications to promote policies and projects to broader audiences. I lead outreach for policy analysis projects, including strategy development, meeting facilitation, and planning. Ierve as staff liaison to CMAP’s Freight Working Group and represent CMAP on numerous external committees, task forces, and other stakeholder groups.

 

 

Prior to CMAP, I was a Senior Transportation Analyst at the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).  In this position, I provided leadership and support to the Transportation Planning Division, with a focus on the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the delivery of transportation investments funded by PSRC’s Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration funds. I reviewed and analyzed detailed project information, including current funding, project scopes, and schedules.  I ensured the accuracy and compliance of the Regional TIP, identified and resolved issues for transportation projects, and assisted with the implementation of federal transportation requirements and regional policy.

 

In May 2018, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison where I earned a master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on regional land use, transportation, and economic development planning. 

While attending grad school, I worked part-time as a Research Analyst with the University of Wisconsin-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development as well as a Community Planning Intern at the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC).  I also served as the Professional Development Coordinator for the Wisconsin Student Planners Association (WSPA).

 

Prior to attending graduate school, I served as the Transportation Planner and Project Delivery Specialist for the Amador County Transportation Commission (ACTC) in Amador County, CA.  As Transportation Planner I evaluated existing and future transportation needs as part of a continuing, coordinated, and comprehensive transportation planning program; assisted in the development and maintenance of the Regional Transportation Plan, Regional Transportation Improvement Program, Overall Work Program, and provided staff support to various advisory committees.  In my role as Project Delivery Specialist, I assisted city and county governments to deliver (process and construct) local, state, and federally funded transportation projects such as road improvements, bridge rehabilitation, sidewalks, transit projects, etc.  I worked with multiple agencies and multiple complex requirements to help deliver transportation projects on schedule and within budget. 

 

Experience includes:

 

• Regional transportation planning process

• Transportation policy

• Data collection and analysis

• Policy Development

• Project and program management

• Regional transportation improvement program (TIP)

• Project delivery and monitoring

• Transportation regulations and funding

• Transportation equity

• Research methods

• Traffic impact fee development

• Grant writing

• Procurement

• Contract management

• Meeting facilitation

• Written and oral communication

• Team building and leadership

• Organization and time management

• Public speaking/presentations

 

 

Who I am:
 

I am passionate about community, civic engagement, social justice, sustainability, participatory planning, biking, swimming, reading, travel, hiking, digital photography, volunteering, disc golf, movies, and meeting new people.
 

 

Where I am from:
 

A native Iowan, I attended the University of Iowa and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography with a focus on urban planning.  I also received a minor in political science with an emphasis in local government.  While attending the University of Iowa I served in several leadership positions including Senate Executive of the University of Iowa Student Government where I implemented numerous student-centered initiatives.

During my time at the University of Iowa, I focused my studies on society-environment interactions including community resiliency; transportation economics; sustainability; citizen participation in the planning process; and smart growth.  My senior thesis centered on the topics of pedestrian-friendly communities, smart growth, and the metrics used to determine what is “walkable."

My professional background highlights my entrepreneurial nature.  I was co-founder and managing member of Reflections By Design, a sustainable home remodeling and interior design firm based in the Chicago area.  As a managing member, I oversaw monthly and quarterly assessments and forecasts of financial performance against budget, financial and operational goals. I contributed to short and long-term organizational planning and strategy. I developed and implemented marketing plans for new and existing services and served as primary liaison with contractors and local government offices as well as with media and advertising firms.



Please be sure to check out my resume, professional development, and community pages, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments.  

 

Thank you for taking the time to view my website.