Technical Assistance Panels

ULI Utah is accepting TAP applications for the 2024-2025 cycle.

Applications will be reviewed by our Technical Assistance Panels Committee on an on-going basis.

ULI Utah TAPs Application

What is a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP)?

Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) are immersive, onsite engagements that harness the collective expertise of ULI members who serve as volunteer panelists. These seasoned professionals offer invaluable, multi-disciplinary guidance to local governments, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations grappling with intricate land use and real estate issues across Utah. Utilizing our extensive membership base, these panels deliver objective, practical solutions, expert advice, and market-driven strategies drawn from senior practitioners spanning various realms of real estate and land use. By providing an impartial and strategic outlook on intricate land use challenges, TAPs have garnered recognition for expediting and enhancing the development and design processes employed by communities in their land planning endeavors

How Does a TAP Work?

TAPs are structured as intensive two-day sessions, initiated by the sponsoring organization, the “Client”. The focus lies on addressing targeted development challenges or policy obstacles within a designated geographical area, termed the “Study Area.” Over the course of these two days, participants engage in a comprehensive agenda, starting with the exploration of pertinent questions posed by the sponsor. The agenda includes a thorough site tour, confidential stakeholder consultations, in-depth working sessions, the delivery of recommendations to the sponsor, and a final report detailing the process undertaken and the recommendations proposed.

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 esteemed experts and members of ULI who generously volunteer their time, driven by their dedication to furthering the ULI mission. Their invaluable contributions, spanning preparation, active participation, and input towards the final report, are estimated to provide a substantial value ranging from $40,000 to $60,000.

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)

What is the Timeframe?

Pre-Panel

Upon receipt of a completed TAP Application from the Client, the ULI Utah TAP Committee and staff will review it and arrange an initial meeting with the applicant to gain a comprehensive understanding of the assignment objectives and to identify key issues requiring attention. Decisions regarding the acceptance of the panel assignment by the committee are typically made within four to six week. Following the finalization of the TAP agreement, an estimated timeframe of two to three months is allocated to assemble a multidisciplinary panel, compile briefing materials, and plan for the TAP. Additionally, a private Client briefing for the panelists is scheduled one to two weeks prior to the TAP session.

Day-of Panel

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 the 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

What is the Cost?

ULI Utah charges a fee for each of its Technical Assistance Panels (TAPs) to cover staff time and related expenses, including workshop materials, report writers’ compensation, transportation, lodging, venue arrangement, catering, and logistical arrangements. The fee structure ranges between $20,000 and $30,000 for a two-day TAP session held anywhere within Utah. This range is determined by factors such as location, the complexity and breadth of the scope, and the comprehensiveness of the final written report.

Funding Available for TAPs in Salt Lake County

ULI Utah has partnered with Salt Lake County Regional Development through a matching grant to support three Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) studies at key sites in three Salt Lake County communities.

Please note: We are accepting TAP applications from municipalities and non-profit organizations across Utah, but only those situated in Salt Lake County will be eligible to receive the matching grant funds.

APPLY TODAY

If you would like to discuss a potential opportunity, please contact:

Kristen Cordova, Executive Director
[email protected]