Illustrative Projects:
Policy, Program & Organizational Development
Facilitate decision-making; clarify goals and objectives; assess and design strategic planning processes; analyze current approaches and develop alternatives; recommend and advocate legislation, policies, and programs; support implementation actions; and help build constituencies.

Options for Applying Federal Seismic Safety Standards
Through Federal Financial Aid and Regulatory Programs
Under contract to the National Academy of Public Administration, ROA worked on this congressionally required report from the President. The report examines the desirability and feasibility of reducing earthquake hazards of existing buildings by using federal aid and regulatory "levers."

Policy Review, Hospital Construction Standards
The Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development administers California's state law governing the design and construction of new hospitals. Given rapid changes in the health care system, ROA examined important policy questions about which types of medical facilities should be governed by the existing law.

Strategic Plan for Seismically Strengthening Federal Buildings
Under contract to Degenkolb Engineers for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), ROA served as one of the principal advisors on a Congressionally-required report on the earthquake risk posed by nearly 360,000 federally-owned buildings plus untold numbers of others in which the Federal Government has a direct financial interest.

Legislative Advocacy, Earthquake Engineering Research Center
ROA prepared legislation to establish a center for earthquake engineering research. ROA provided the background information, technical assistance, expert testimony, and potential financing alternatives. ROA served as liaison between organizations advocating the legislation to establish and fund the center, and the California Legislature, the Seismic Safety Commission, and the Congress.

Staff Reorganization, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
ROA provided interim management of the Institute's staff and implemented a number of management study recommendations. This involved setting priorities, reviewing and adjusting workload, and providing support to the Board of Directors and the Institute's annual meeting. Background materials and informal counsel were provided to the new permanent Executive Director.

Return to Projects page