APPROACH
Scope
TASK 1: PROJECT INITIATION,
DEMOGRAPHIC & ECONOMIC DATA
COLLECTION
In this task, RKG will work with the City to schedule
a kick-off meeting to initiate the project and introduce
us to the community with a tour and set of stakeholder
interviews. RKG will also begin initial data collection
and analysis on both the demographic and economic
baseline conditions.
Task 1.1 Kick-Off and Background
Materials
Task 1.4.1. Data Needs Identification and
Collection
Task 1.1.1 will address the data collection aspect of the
project. RKG will develop a list of public information
to be conveyed by the City to RKG prior to the kickoff
meeting. RKG will require a wide range of data and
information from the City to adequately complete this
analysis. Any existing databases will need to be made
directly accessible to us. These include, but are not
limited to:
» The City’s GIS databases;
» The City’s property assessment data;
» Any data collected about the residential for sale
and for rent markets (i.e. rent studies);
» Market data from City departments dealing with
housing;
» All ordinance and policy guidelines related to
housing;
» Housing permit data;
» Code enforcement data;
» Inventory of city-owned land, with particular
emphasis on vacant, developable properties;
» Inventory data of all existing and proposed
developments within the City; and
» Previous financial feasibility and housing market
studies done.
Task 1.1.2 Review Background Materials,
Documents, and Information
Before beginning any formal work tasks, RKG will
review relevant materials, planning documents,
databases, maps, and any other information relevant
to the project. A thorough review of such information
will establish a research context from which to begin
the project and will provide RKG with a background
perspective on the City and its past and present housing
market climate.
Task 1.1.3 Project Kickoff Meeting
An initial kick-off meeting will be held with City staff
to review and discuss key elements of the project. The
kick-off meeting is an important opportunity for RKG
to better understand the relevant issues surrounding the
project, and to come to common agreement regarding
the project’s objectives and to fully understand the City’s
expectations for the final product. Logical points for
discussion at the kick-off meeting include:
» How do housing policies and programs currently
meet (or not meet) the needs of Nashua residents?
» Are there any groups currently not being served?
» What are the City’s short-term and long-term goals
for providing housing assistance in the future?
» What level of public and private investment has
there been for affordable and workforce housing
in recent years (e.g., new development, major
redevelopments, etc.)?
» Do local housing agencies benefit from current
policies and initiatives?
» What roles will the City and its housing
partners play in the implementation of the
recommendations?
» ITs there capacity for-profit and non-profit housing
developers to create a significant number of new or
revitalized restricted housing units?
RKG Associates
