Evolving Role of Metropolitan Planning Organizations in Transportation Planning for Megaregions

Abstract

Transportation policy makers and planners are increasingly recognizing that the United States, to remain globally competitive, must address the significant transportation needs of megaregions, the large networks of metropolitan centers and their surrounding areas connected through cultural, environmental, and economic characteristics as well as major infrastructure. In response to transportation challenges that extend beyond the formal boundaries covered by current transportation planning processes, local, regional, and state transportation agencies are developing collaborative processes to plan for megaregions. This process involves flexible adaptation of the roles and responsibilities identified in federal requirements for transportation planning. This paper presents the results of research funded by the Federal Highway Administration on how metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are working with partners to address transportation issues in seven megaregions. The research used case studies to identify successful technical and institutional approaches, innovations, and challenges for policy makers and peer agencies. The project team developed a framework for evaluating the MPO approach to megaregion planning and refined the framework on the basis of applications to the case studies. The case studies demonstrate a pattern of evolution, suggesting that MPOs engage in a series of activities that may eventually support a transportation system on a megaregion scale. The study considers how MPOs participate and lead in key aspects of planning for megaregions as the MPOs work within and adapt the federal planning framework to conduct technical analysis, forge partnerships, develop studies, and support new projects.