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Ryan Thompto




PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

 

Senior Policy Analyst, June 2020 – Present

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), Chicago, IL

 

Perform professional and technical work leading, researching, analyzing, and writing policy analysis in CMAP’s Plan Implementation and Legislative Affairs division. Manage multiple projects to further the implementation of ON TO 2050, CMAP’s regional plan. Participate on project teams that require conducting analyses, investigations, preparing recommendations, reports, and data visualizations. Design empirical research processes, data collection, data quality assurance, and data contextualization through analysis, data visualization, and written plan content. Guide projects through preparation for external consideration with Government Affairs and Communications to promote policies and projects to broader audiences. Lead outreach for policy analysis projects, including strategy development, meeting facilitation, and planning. Serve as staff liaison to CMAP’s Freight Working Group. Serve on external committees, task forces, and other bodies where CMAP representation is needed.  

Senior Transportation Analyst, June 2018 – June 2020

Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC), Seattle, WA

 

Provide 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. Reviewing and analyzing detailed project information, including current funding, project scopes, and schedules.  Ensure the accuracy and compliance of the Regional Transportation Improvement Program. Identify and resolve issues for transportation projects.  Data collection, analysis, and policy development. Implement programs based on federal transportation requirements and regional policy.

 

Research Analyst, November 2017 – May 2018

Center for Community and Economic Development, Madison, WI

 

In a part-time role, assisted the Community Business Development Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED).  Performed data analyses, conducted survey research, wrote reports, updated sections of the CCED website and assisted with other research-related activities focused on downtown and business district economic development.

 

Community Planning Intern, November 2017 – MAY 2018

Capital Area Regional Planning Commission, Madison, WI

 

In a part-time role, provided support to staff planners working on a variety of regional planning projects, created regional maps using ArcMap, reported on local planning news, researched census data and provided analysis.

 

Strategic Planning Workshop Support Staff, November 2017 – January 2018

MDRoffers Consulting, Madison, WI

 

Assisted MDRoffers Consulting with four strategic planning workshops for the River Valley School District.  Provided logistical support before, during, and after the meetings. Staffed entry table where participants were welcomed, signed in, and directed to tables.  Recorded questions, comments, and other community input on large easel pads during the meeting and transcribed the notes after the meeting.

 

Transportation Planner and Project Delivery Specialist, May 2015 - July 2016

Amador County Transportation Commission, Sutter Creek, CA

 

Promoted to Transportation Planner and became responsible for the development and maintenance of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) as well as implementation of the RTP including Regional Transportation Improvement Programs (RTIPs), the Overall Work Program, and the implementation of specific work elements such as transportation plans and studies, the Local Project Delivery Assistance Program, and development of the region’s Transportation Performance Measures Program. Worked directly with the ACTC Board of Directors, city and county governments, other local agencies, the public, Caltrans, and the California Transportation Commission. 

 

Key Contributions:

- Developed the Amador County 2016 Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP).  Drafted RTIP, circulated for public review and comment, and presented to ACTC Board of Directors for approval.

- ACTC Project Manager for SR 88 Pine Grove Corridor Improvement Project (April 2015 – October 2015). Managed a consultant team through the completion of the environmental phase of the project.

- Oversaw the preparation of the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and the adoption and implementation of the 2015 Amador County Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Managed a consultant team throughout the preparation of FEIR.  Presented Final Draft of RTP to ACTC Board of Directors.  Implemented objectives of the RTP and managed the region’s Capital Improvement Program.

- Wrote successful Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant application for sidewalk and bicycle lane infrastructure improvements in the City of Plymouth. Successfully wrote an ATP grant application requesting $1,080,000 for a sidewalk and bike path gap closure project in the City of Plymouth.

- Transit Liaison to Amador Transit. Responsible for administering the Transportation Development Act (TDA) in Amador County. Conducted bi-weekly meetings with the General Manager of Amador Transit. Facilitated Social Services Transportation Advisory Committee meetings.

 

Local Project Delivery Specialist, May 2013 - April 2015

Amador County Transportation Commission, Amador County, CA

 

Monitored and assisted in the delivery of regional transportation projects through various phases including community acceptance, alternatives analysis, environmental clearance, plans and specifications, right of way acquisition, bidding, construction, and construction closeout. Served as the region’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) Liaison Officer.

 

Key Contributions:
- Developed an online project management and monitoring tool for ACTC and member agencies.  Developed and maintained an online tool for ACTC member agencies.  This new online system enables streamlined project management and more efficient use of the region’s funding capacity.
- Assisted in the development of a successful Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant application. Assisted in the development of a successful HSIP grant application for $1.5 million dollars to make safety improvements to an intersection in the Shenandoah Valley region of the County.
- Updated ACTC’s Procurement Policies.  Updated, maintained, and implemented the ACTC's Procurement Policies for consultant/contractor selection consistent with Federal and State regulations.

 



Managing Member / Project Coordinator, November 2005 – December 2009

Reflections By Design, Evanston, IL


          - Created a sustainable home remodeling and interior design business. 

          - Oversaw monthly and quarterly assessments and forecasts of the business’s financial performance       

            against budget, financial and operational goals. 

          - Managed day to day processing of accounts receivable and payable using QuickBooks, producing

            reports when needed.

          - Served as primary liaison with outside vendors.

          - Contributed to short and long-term organizational planning and strategy.

          - Developed and implemented marketing plans and projects for new and existing services.

          - Served as primary liaison with media and advertising. 

          - Served as primary liaison to legal counsel in addressing legal issues e.g. copyright, partnerships,

            permits etc.

 

Senior Staff – Assistant Activities Director, Summer 2005 

Upward Bound Program, Cedar Rapids, IA

 

          - Responsible for supervising and evaluating students and staff. 

          - Developed and implemented daily activity programming.

          - Assisted in the training of summer staff.

 

Senate Executive, April 2004 – May 2005

University of Iowa Student Government, Iowa City, IA


          - Elected leader of Undergraduate Activities Senate. 

          - Performed executive functions for senate and executive branches. 

          - Successfully developed and implemented dozens of student-centered initiatives.

 

Bridge Tutor / Counselor, Summer 2004 

Upward Bound Program, Cedar Rapids, IA

 

          - Supervised high school-aged students during summer academic program. 

          - Tutored high school graduates in college-level summer courses and facilitated their preparation for

            college.

 

EDUCATION



Master of Science in Urban & Regional Planning, May 2018

University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI

 

          - Research Interests: regional planning, transportation, social justice, smart growth, performance measurement, sprawl,    

            sustainable development, bicycle/pedestrian planning, geographic information systems (GIS), land use

          - Awarded the Community of Graduate Research Scholars (CGRS) Fellowship

          - Awarded the Jessica L. Bullen Community Service Award

 

Bachelor of Arts in Geography, May 2012
Minor in Political Science
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA


          - An interdisciplinary program emphasizing quantitative, economic, and political analysis of social and  environmental 
            problems with an emphasis on urban planning and sustainability.
         - Coursework included:  Human Geography, GIS, Geographic Visualization, Statistical Methods, Local & State
           Government, Urban Geography, Environment and Development, New Urbanism & Smart Growth, Transportation
           Economics, & Geographic Perspectives on Development



SKILLS 

 

         - PC/Mac with software: PC/Mac with software: Microsoft Office Suite (including Access); Internet; ArcGIS; Business Analyst; Tableau;                  Census Data; StreetSaver; QuickBooks; Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Contribute; Qualtrics; Google Professional Applications Suite;              Google Earth; Polycom; Skype; BlueJeans

         - Strong writing and editing skills; grant research and proposal writing

         - Digital photography and layout

 

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