Next Meeting
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 11 a.m. Central Time
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About
What is an MPO?
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the policy board of an organization created and designated to carry out the metropolitan transportation planning process. MPOs are required to represent localities in all urbanized areas (UZAs) with populations over 50,000, as determined by the U.S. Census. MPOs are designated by agreement between the governor and local governments that together represent at least 75 percent of the affected population (including the largest incorporated city, based on population) or in accordance with procedures established by applicable state or local law. Source: USDOT FTA Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
Who belongs to an MPO?
Membership of the MPO’s policy body is outlined in the federal regulations. Membership must include representation by local elected officials, officials of agencies that administer or operate major modes or systems of transportation, and appropriate state officials.
How is the planning area determined?
At a minimum, the MPO’s planning area must cover the urbanized and contiguous geographic areas likely to become urbanized within the next 20 years. Areas designated as non-attainment (not meeting the EPA standard for certain pollutants) under the Clean Air Act, must be included in the MPO boundary, unless there is an agreement between the MPO and the Governor. The MPO boundary should foster effective planning, enhance connections between transportation modes, improve access to the region’s transportation systems, and promote effective use of transportation funds.
How does the MPO relate to the Regional Planning Commission?
The MPO coordinates transportation planning activities in support of the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) and local planning authorities. The MPO is a conduit for coordinating transportation plans and programs needed to support state and local comprehensive plans. The MPO provides a forum for improving communication and understanding between local governments and state agencies. Learn more here: USDOT FHWA Organizing and Planning for Operations – Metropolitan Planning Organizations
The Clarksville Urbanized Area MPO is now a Transportation Management Area.
An urbanized area with a population over 200,000, as defined by the Bureau of the Census and designated by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), is called a Transportation Management Area (TMA). As described in 49 U.S.C. 5303(k), and in recognition of the greater complexity of transportation issues in large urban areas, an MPO in a TMA has a stronger voice in setting priorities for implementing projects listed in the transportation improvement program and are responsible for additional planning products. The planning processes in MPOs in TMAs also must be certified by the Secretary of DOT as being in compliance with federal requirements. Source: USDOT FTA Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
