rv 2014: mind our dust- supporting businesses during construction by va-megn thoj
DESCRIPTION
Mind Our Dust: Supporting Businesses During Construction AICP CM 1.5 Supporting existing businesses during transit construction is a priority. Transit agencies, regional and city partners across the country have developed a wide array of assistance programs to keep businesses well-positioned during construction. What works? What doesn't? How do you get businesses to take advantage of the programs early and well in advance of construction? Explore a variety of programs with a wide range of services including how to carve out budget for business support initiatives, way-finding/directional signage, marketing, business counseling, technical assistance, loan programs, grants and peer-to-peer forums. Learn how to use support from partners to customize programs for each unique community. Moderator: Terry J. Gruver, Vice President, HDR | InfraConsult, Phoenix, Arizona Va-Megn Thoj, Executive Director, Asian Economic Development Association, St. Paul, Minnesota Jennifer Koozer, Community Affairs Representative, Trimet, Portland, Oregon Ellen Muller, Economic Development Manager, City of Saint Paul, Department of Planning and Economic Development, St. Paul, MinnesotaTRANSCRIPT
MIND OUR DUST!
Supporting Businesses
During Constructio
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Va-Megn Thoj, Executive Director, Asian Economic Development Associationwww.aeda-mn.org, www.LittleMekong.com
Rail~Volution 2014Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
AEDA’s business support during CCLRT/Green Line development
• Planning & pre-construction• Construction• Post-construction and beyond
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Planning & pre-construction
• Organizing• Education• Advocacy• Connection to decision making
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Planning & pre-construction
• Outcomes• Greater business participation, awareness, &
preparedness• Focus on immediate survival needs• Mitigation funding – Ready for Rail loans
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Construction
Objectives: mitigating loss of access, physical damages; greater access to resources• Communication• Mitigation resources• Monitor & troubleshoot [include link here]• Connecting businesses to decision making
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Post-construction & beyond
Objectives: recovery & capturing opportunities • Available programs & resources• Civic participation• Placemaking & asset building• Growing businesses
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AEDA’s strengths
• Connection & knowledge of the community• Relevant cultural skills• Founded by the businesses we serve• Ability to bridge across barriers & differences
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Lessons learned• Invest in empowering & working with
organizations in underrepresented communities• Build relationships with business owners• Recognize the need for assistance & mitigation• Commit to emergency assistance resources
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Va-Megn ThojContact:
www.aeda-mn.orgwww.LittleMekong.com
facebook.com/LittleMekong
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