RTD Forms Stakeholder Group

Over the next three months, a group of stakeholders has been assembled by RTD to assess the possible reuses of Denver Union Station. A recommendation, as decided upon by this group of stakeholders, will be made to the RTD Board of Directors in early February 2011. This post elucidates the stakeholder representatives, purpose, vision, and role.

Members of the Stakeholder Group:

• Elbra Wedgeworth/Jerry Glick - DUSPA
• Annie Levinsky - Historic Denver
• Anne Hayes/Ron Straka - Union Station Advocates
• John Desmond - Downtown Denver Partnership
• Mike West - Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association
• Holly Barrett/Chris Shears - Lower Downtown District, Inc.
• Diane Barrett/Ellen Ittelson - City and County of Denver
• Bill Sirois - RTD

As a first step, the group is working on a protocol document that will guide all future discussions. This document will establish:

• Purpose of the Stakeholder Committee
• Group Member Roles
• Facilitation
• Public Input
• Denver Union Station Vision Statement
• Potential Uses of the Station Building
• Funding/Operations Options for Station Building
• Goal of Consensus

Activity Dates:

• Public Meeting – October, 14 2010
  Launch the Process
  Open the Way for Public Input and for Communication between the Stakeholder Group and the Public
  Review Vision and Goals
  Discuss Tradeoffs
  
• Stakeholder Meeting #1 - October, 28 2010
  Affirm Process and Protocols
  Review/Revise/Ratify Goals
  Translate These Into Evaluation Criteria
  Discuss Data Needs and Begin Data Presentations
  First Look – Options/Alternatives
  Expert Panel
  
• Stakeholder Meeting #2 - November, 18 2010
  Building Tour
  Review Data
  3:00 – 5:00 USNC’s office
  In Denver Union Station
  Expert Panel
  
• Stakeholder Meeting #3 - December 16, 2010
  Discuss Options
  Expert Panel
  
• Stakeholder Meeting #4 - January 13, 2011
  Review Independent Evaluation
  Discuss Options/Alternatives
  Identify Most Promising Option or Options
  Discuss Governance
  Begin Consensus Building on Recommendation to RTD Board
  
• Public Meeting #2
  Present Preliminary Conclusions
  Take Feedback
  Expert Panel
  
• Stakeholder Meeting #5
  Build Consensus on Recommendation to RTD Board, January 27, 2011
  Findings to RTD Board, February 1, 2011RTD Board Action, February 15, 2011

We encourage our readers and members to engage in public input meetings! Join us in helping to make Union Station a great public space!