Vision
As travel demand model users and colleagues in local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, transportation agencies, consultant firms, and educational institutions, we work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration to inform, improve, and promote the science, art, and application of travel demand forecasting throughout the state of Utah.
As the Utah Model Users Group (MUG), we operate independently from, but in partnership with, the Interagency Modeling Technical Committee (IMTC) and Interagency Modeling Policy Committee (IMPC).
Objectives and Goals
We benefit from the knowledge and experience of all users and conduct our pursuits in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
- We support the MUG Executive Committee with representation from a wide range of user types to guide the functions of the group.
- We employ a rotating representation of subject matter and geography in all our meetings.
- We hold a general meeting at least three times per year and other topic-specific meetings as needed.
We inform each other on developments, activities, best practices, and innovations in models and tools.
- We maintain an open digital archive of model reference information and tools, including best practices and current model development efforts.
- We regularly inform each other regarding the actions and directions of the respective projects and committees in which we are involved.
- We highlight a unique development or application at each quarterly meeting that is also shared via digital communication and a future website.
We improve the models, tools, and practice of travel demand forecasting.
- We maintain and advocate for a prioritized list of user-identified research and improvement needs in models, methods, tools, and user skills.
- We facilitate broader discussion and collaboration on model and travel forecasting improvements through the use of a digital peer exchange platform.
- We foster mentorship amongst our members by connecting those with varied levels of experience and expertise.
We promote the field and practitioners of travel demand forecasting to grow the reach and depth of our industry.
- We share information for model and tool applications and innovations that have broader impact with those beyond our group.
- We highlight all types of users with a ‘User of the Quarter’ series via digital communication and a future website.
- We forward presentation ideas to other conferences, such as the Utah ITE Annual Conference and the Utah Transportation Conference.
Executive Committee Members
| Member | Organization | Role | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Alpers | Horrocks | josha@horrocks.com | User Spotlighter |
| Natalia Brown | Utah Department of Transportation | nataliabrown@utah.gov | Chair |
| Chris Day | Wasatch Front Regional Council | cday@wfrc.org | Website Guru |
| Craig Gresham | Fehr and Peers | c.gresham@fehrandpeers.com | |
| Bill Hereth | Wasatch Front Regional Council | bhereth@wfrc.org | Vice-Chair |
| Ivan Hooper | Avenue Consultants | ihooper@avenueconsultants.com | |
| Greg Macfarlane | Brigham Young University | gregmacfarlane@byu.edu |
Executive Committee (DRAFT)
The Utah Model Users Group (MUG) Executive Committee executes the priorities and order of business of MUG and manages the general course of operations in accordance with the MUG’s Vision, Objectives, and Goals. Input regarding modifications to MUG goals and objectives are solicited from general membership, considered by this committee, and then presented to MUG members for ratification.
The Executive Committee consists of a committee chair and members representing the wide range of model users.
Chair
The Chair leads the Executive Committee. In coordination and support from other members of the committee, the chair solicits agenda items for quarterly meetings, sets the agenda, conducts the meetings, and designates a note taker at each meeting, preferably from among the membership of the Executive Committee. The chair can delegate a portion of their responsibilities to any other member of the Executive Committee.
The chair is nominated by the Interagency Modeling Technical Committee (IMTC) and ratified by MUG members and serves a term of two to three years.
Members
Executive Committee members provide input and perspective based on the individual user role they represent, advise and assist the chair in their duties, and help solicit and gather information for the Chair with respect to quarterly meetings and for the Communications Committee with respect to mailing list, website and digital archives, and a blog or newsletter.
In addition to the Chair, the Executive Committee may consist of the following members:
- One representative appointed from the Interagency Modeling Technical Committee (IMTC)
- One to three volunteered or solicited representatives from consultant users, as nominated by Executive Committee Chair, in consultation with IMTC, and then ratified by MUG members
- One volunteered or solicited representative from academia, as nominated by Executive Committee Chair, in consultation with IMTC, and then ratified by MUG members
- One representative appointed from the MUG Communications Committee
Communications Committee (DRAFT)
The Communications Committee provides support to the Executive Committee in (1) maintaining a mailing list; (2) creating and maintaining a MUG website, reference material archives, and any other digital communications platform; and (3) maintaining a digital blog or periodic newsletter. The communications committee consists of any number of MUG members that are either from volunteers or solicitations. The Communications Committee chair and members are nominated by the Executive Committee chair and ratified by the Executive Committee members.