Focus Groups

Mn/DOT’s Research Service Section conducts locally held focus group meetings throughout the state. The meetings help RSS and LRRB to identify and prioritize the research needs of local transportation practitioners from counties, municipalities, and townships.

Beginning in summer 1996, RSS initiated a process of conducting focus group meetings with the local transportation practitioners from each Mn/DOT District. RSS schedules a focus group meeting with each district every 3 to 5 years on a first-come, first-serve basis. RSS schedules a minimum of one-half day (preferably a full day) to successfully develop and rate research Problem Statements. Staff then uses Problem Statements to solicit research proposals.

RSS works closely with the Mn/DOT District State Aid Engineer to take advantage of any existing meeting schedules and to develop an agenda that maximizes the groups’ efforts. RSS facilitates each meeting.

To sign up for a focus group meeting, or if you have any questions, contact Mn/DOT’s Research Program Development Engineer.

Problem statements may also be submitted by county and city engineers without the use of focus groups. Forms are available on the LRRB web site.

Technical Advisory Panel

Submitting and idea doesn’t volunteer you to lead the project, however consider becoming a member of a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) that guides the researchers who conduct the project. The LRRB encourages city and county engineers to serve on the TAP.

As a TAP member, you will attend a limited number of meetings and review the research results. You will help researchers and the LRRB in finding the most productive ways to apply research results to the field. TAP members who are city and county engineers sometimes benefit directly from assisting with implementation. To participate contact a LRRB Board Member.