What is an MPO?
By federal law, a metropolitan planning organization is designated by the Governor for every urban area with at least 50,000 residents. The MPO devises solutions to regional transportation problems, which involves addressing other important issues such as land use, air quality, energy, economic development and commerce. To do this, the MPO develops a long-range regional transportation plan. The MPO also maintains a short-range program of projects to fund with federal transportation money. For each, the MPO’'92s duty is to engage many stakeholders, including the general public, in the planning process. By creating a vision for the region in the Plan and by identifying projects and investments that help achieve that vision, the MPO ensures that scarce public funds are spent moving the region towards its planning goals.

What Does NYSMPO Do?
The Association exists as an information sharing organization. The directors of all thirteen MPOs in the state meet regularly throughout the year. By convening, the association enables each individual MPO to better serve its own region. In addition, working groups on topics such as safety, air quality and geographic information systems (GIS) meet periodically. By pooling financial resources, the association also conducts research and training programs, known as Shared Cost Initiatives. Recent research topics have included statewide data sharing, congestion management systems, and the future of travel behavior. Training offered through this program varies from technical to policy topics, such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and the new Safe Routes to School program. Through information sharing, research and training programs, the Association helps each MPO address state and federal policies and programs.

What is SAFETEA?
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) was enacted in August 2005. Like preceding federal transportation legislation, SAFETEA-LU underscores the importance of a participatory, integrated, regional transportation planning process and re-affirms the MPO’s central role. SAFETEA-LU also adds some new areas of emphasis, including: the importance of security in transportation planning ; the linkage between transportation and economic development; and, the need for efficient system management and operations.

What Does This Mean for You?
Each MPO is a forum for plans and ideas as well as decisions about major capital investments. Everyone—businesses, government, and citizens alike—has a voice in the process. Whether the topic is a dangerous intersection or a long-term policy issue, the region’s future is shaped by decisions made by the MPO. For more information about your MPO, the New York State MPO Association, SAFETEA-LU or other topics that interest you, please use the directory on the back of this brochure to contact your MPO.

NYSMPO Brochure (PDF File)
NYSMPO Staff Directory (PDF file)