Technical Assistance Panels
Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) are intensive, on-site engagements conducted by career professionals who serve as volunteer panelists. The panelists deliver expert, multi-disciplinary advice to local governments, public agencies and nonprofit organizations facing complex land use and real estate issues throughout New York State. Drawing from our extensive membership base, these panels provide objective, pragmatic solutions, best practice advice and market-based strategies from senior practitioners from a variety of real estate and land use disciplines. A key differentiating factor between ULI and other organizations providing technical assistance is the involvement of experts from the real estate and finance sectors who can speak to market viability, funding strategy and implementation. By providing an unbiased, strategic perspective on complex land use challenges, TAPs have been credited with accelerating and improving the development and design processes used by communities in their land planning efforts.
How Does a TAP Work?
TAPs are conducted in a one- or two-day format. Both versions commence with a set of questions proposed by the sponsoring organization (the “Client”) about a specific development issue or policy barrier within a defined geographic area (the “Study Area”). The one-day commitment includes a brief introduction and overview by the Client, a half-day working session with the panelists, followed by a presentation of recommendations to the Client, and a final report. The two-day commitment includes a full site tour, confidential stakeholder interviews, intensive working sessions, a presentation of recommendations to the Client, and a final report outlining the process and recommendations.
TAP Scope:
As part of the TAP application process, the Client is responsible for drafting the TAP Scope, which consists of a detailed description of the need for the Technical Assistance Panel. It should include:
• Background information
• Associated current and future plans (both public and private)
• Maps and planning materials
• Demographics and statistics
• Planning and development goals
• Explanation of previous efforts to address the scope of work, including outcomes of those efforts
TAP Panelists:
Panelists are ULI member experts who volunteer their time because of a commitment to the ULI mission. The panelists donate all of their time preparing for the TAP, the day of the TAP and contributing to the final report– an estimated $30,000-$40,000 value.
Client Responsibilities:
At a high level, the Client is responsible for:
• Preparing and providing all briefing materials
• Briefing the panelists before/during the workshop
• Arranging the site tour
• Inviting key stakeholders to attend interviews during the TAP
• Arranging for a public presentation of the TAP’s recommendations (if appropriate)
Timeframe
Pre-Panel
Upon receiving a completed TAP Application from the Client, members of the ULI NY TAPs Steering Committee and staff will review it and arrange an initial meeting with the applicant to understand and refine the assignment objectives as well as identify key issues. Decisions on whether the committee can accept the panel assignment will be determined within a month. Once a TAP agreement is finalized, typically, at least three to four months are needed to provide sufficient time to assemble a multidisciplinary group of panel members, compile briefing materials, and plan for the TAP. A private Client briefing to the panelists occurs one to two weeks prior to the TAP.
Day-of Panel
A one-day TAP is more condensed and consists of:
• Brief introduction and overview by the Client
• Half-day working session with the panelists
• Presentation of the final panel recommendations to the Client
A two-day TAP consists of two days of intensive working sessions, including:
• Introduction and overview by the Client
• Guided site tour of the study area
• Confidential stakeholder interviews conducted by the panelists
• Presentation of the final panel recommendations to the Client
Post-Panel
Following the TAP panel presentation, we will commence writing the final report, which will be delivered to the Client within 3-4 months after the TAP workshop. Once the final draft of the written report is approved by the Client, we will commence design of the final report. Upon completion, the Client will be provided a professionally-designed TAP report in high-resolution PDF format (for web and print purposes). We conduct regular follow up calls and/or meetings with the Client post-TAP.
Cost
ULI Westchester/Fairfield charges a fee for each of its TAPs to cover staff time and associated costs (workshop materials, report writer’s fee, transportation/lodging, venue/catering, and other logistical costs). Fees vary from $15,000-$20,000 for a two-day TAP (anywhere within NYS), depending on location, the type and extent of the scope, and final written report; and $10,000 for a one-day TAP (limited to Westchester/Fairfield only).
We encourage you to consider a TAP for your community. If you would like to discuss a potential opportunity, please contact:
Mara Winokur, Senior Director
[email protected]