What role does the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) play in urban transportation planning?

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) plays a crucial role in urban transportation planning, primarily by being responsible for adopting the regional transportation plan and program. This involves coordinating and facilitating a collaborative approach to transportation planning among local jurisdictions, state agencies, and transportation stakeholders. The MPO ensures that transportation projects and strategies align with federal requirements and local needs, focusing on improving the overall transportation system's efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

By adopting the transportation plan and program, the MPO establishes priorities for funding and project implementation. This comprehensive planning process considers various factors, including population growth, economic development, environmental sustainability, and existing transit services, to create an effective strategy for meeting future transportation demands in the metropolitan area.