Robert Clarksen Email & Phone Number

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

My primary responsibility in the Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations is to lead the development of an update to the State Rail Plan. The State Rail Plan (SRP) is a contributing plan to a group of plans known as the MnDOT "family of plans". It is incorporated into the Minnesota Statewide Multimodal Transportation Plan (SMTP) which governs all transportation planning throughout the state. In this position, I have had the opportunity to interface with both the Freight Rail industry and the Passenger Rail community in support of MnDOT's efforts to enhance rail transportation as a preferred mode when comes to the movement of both people and goods within and beyond the State. I have worked in support of the development of passenger rail initiatives including a study of the feasibility to extend Northstar Commuter Rail service to St. Cloud, the development of a second intercity passenger rail service between St. Paul and Chicago (TCMC), and other initiatives that will benefit the development of Minnesota's freight and passenger rail systems in the future. Although my role is centered on railroads, I also support the departments efforts to improve freight service throughout Minnesota through various roadway freight planning activities that MnDOT engages. In particular, I am currently leading the Minnesota Highway Freight Program (MHFP), which involves managing the program solicitation, evaluation, administrative consultation process and the announcement of the awards for over $65 million dollars in federal pass-through freight funds via the National Highway Freight Program. Additionally, I support the Minnesota Freight Advisory Committee, District Freight Planning initiatives, and our participation in multistate/pooled-fund research initiatives (Mid-America Freight Coalition, North/West Passage Freight Task Force) intended to enhance freight transportation safety in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

As a Principal Program Administrator, I coordinate, manage and implement the Intercity Bus program and the Enhanced Transportation for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities programs to provide federal and state grant funds supporting long distance and special transportation service that connects Minnesota residents to destinations at home and throughout the national transportation network.I manage the distribution of approximately $5 Million dollars in state and federal funds that leverages investments in excess of $10 million dollars through partnerships with our service providers to support program development, transit operations, capital improvements to develop the transportation network and grow ridership on a statewide basis.Key Responsibilities Include:• Knowledge of budgeting process and qualitative/quantitative data analysis sufficient to evaluate program information and reports, diagnose problems and recommend changes to public programs and budgets• Knowledge of local municipal governance and community/economic development strategies utilized in municipal service delivery (including public goods such as roads, water and transportation resources).• Ability to leverage communication skills to craft training and marketing correspondence, and to develop policy to support the statewide application process• Data analysis skills necessary to utilize program tools (Blackcat Grants) to provide technical assistance to applicants serving Greater Minnesota.• Experience consulting for government agency to facilitate program process (including application, compliance monitoring, and corrective actions where necessary).• Ability to coordinate with industry advocates and program administrators for ICB programs in other states.• Human relations skills necessary to partner and communicate effectively within/beyond agency to enhance the activities of the Office of Transit/MnDOT

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Coordinate, manage and implement the Intercity Bus program to provide federal and state grant funds supporting long distance and special transportation service that connects Minnesota residents to destinations at home and throughout the national transportation network.I manage the distribution of approximately $5 Million dollars in state and federal funds that leverages investments in excess of $10 million dollars through partnerships with our service providers to support program development, transit operations, capital improvements to develop the transportation network and grow ridership on a statewide basis.

Minneapolis Community Planning And Economic Development Department (Cped)

Major Accomplishments: • Administer the City’s regulatory framework and applicable development policy (plan documents) and analysis for implementation (project review) at the Minneapolis Development Review Center (DRC), a collaborative effort of multiple City agencies involved in development permitting, business licensing, and building code compliance. • Conduct administrative and discretionary land use application analysis to ensure compliance with development regulations. • Author reports and facilitate presentations to various public review authorities in order to process land use application requests on a project specific basis. • Act as case project manager for multiple development review projects, conduct research of City policy and records, provide a variety of city clients with assistance (city residents, agency representatives, and real estate development professionals) needed to navigate of the regulatory process on a daily basis.• Supported long range planning efforts, including community engagement/outreach as part of numerous small area planning processes, with emphasis on the area near the Univ. of Minnesota neighborhoods, and with several LRT station area plans. • Ensure appropriate stewardship of public resources by 1) Supporting economic development initiatives, including the evaluation of projects for compliance with criteria of various funding programs. 2) Participating in team driven evaluation of RFP’s regarding the acquisition and disposition of City owned properties. 3) Author internal reports to guide City sale of property for residential development.• Log over 7000 hours of direct customer service at the Minneapolis Development Review Center.• Participate in team revision of the “Land Use” and “Urban Design” chapters of the City’s comprehensive plan during 2008 amendment, leading to adoption of the current “Minneapolis Plan for Sustainable Growth”.

Minnetonka, Mn

• Assisted developers with development review compliance and understanding the public review process.• Coordinated administration and enforcement of the sign ordinance and residential permitting.• Prepared and presented land use review reports (Rezoning, CUP, Variances) to Planning Commission.• Conduct site inspections to assist with code enforcement.

University Of Minnesota, Minneapolis Mn

• Leadership position responsible for the facilitation of an alternative break program where U of M students explore social justice issues that build human capacity in support of the YMCA mission. • Select and lead volunteer staff and program participants, evaluate performance.• Conduct organizational strategic planning/policy on U-YMCA board. • Assist with annual branch fundraising efforts.

Oak Grove, Mn

• Prepare reports for City Council regarding property subdivision, planned development, and rezoning.• Coordinate meetings with City representatives and commissions.• Inform applicants about zoning issues as applied to development projects, and public approval process.• Conduct special mapping, research, or other projects upon request.

Golden Valley, Minnesota

• Complete Commercial/Industrial real estate appraisal reports under the direction of the company president.• Prepare neighborhood descriptions, assemble comparable sales histories, and provide supporting information necessary for commercial/industrial real estate appraisal of Twin Cities’ real estate.• Provide support for special assignments such as site inspection, photo journalism and other documentation as necessary.

Master Of Public Affairs, Economic And Community Development

A mid-career Master's program oriented to professionals interested in advancing their skills in public and nonprofit leadership.

Certification, Economic Development Finance Professional

The EDFP program is a rigorous training program that provides the skills essential for the successful practice of economic development.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Urban Studies/Affairs (Geography)

Activities and Societies: Metro Urban Studies Student Association (MUSSA)An interdisciplinary undergraduate program offering B.S., B.A..

Metro Urban Studies Term

Activities and Societies: Higher Education Consortium of Urban AffairsInterdisciplinary Domestic Off-Campus Study Program providing.