About the MPO
what's A METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION?
Established through federal legislation, MPOs exist throughout the United States in urbanized areas of more than 50,000 people. Each MPO is comprised of representatives from city and county governments, their respective state Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration of the United States DOT, and other local or regional transportation-related agencies such as transit authorities and airports. It is through MPOs that local communities prioritize state and federal funds for various transportation projects and programs. MPO Planning Process (PDF)
The Nashville Area MPO
The Nashville Area MPO leads in the development of the region’s long-range transportation plan and short-range transportation improvement program through a partnership among the U.S. DOT, Tennessee DOT, local elected leadership, local planning and public works directors, the business community, and citizens across the Nashville region.
Organizational Goal
The goal of the Nashville Area MPO is to provide leadership in planning a comprehensive, multi-modal regional transportation system that promotes economic vitality and encourages sustainable land development to protect community and natural resources.
Organizational Structure
The Nashville Area MPO is comprised of an Executive Board, a Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC), and Staff.
The Executive Board consists of elected officials representing Davidson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson, Williamson and parts of Maury (Spring Hill) and Robertson (Springfield) counties, as well as cities in those counties with a population of over 5,000. Additional board members include the Governor and an elected official from the Greater Nashville Regional Council. The Board provides policy direction and a forum for transportation and air quality decisions. The Board meets as needed to approve major planning reports and documents.
The Technical Coordinating Committee consists of administrators, planning directors, and transportation engineers from local governments and transportation related agencies. The basic responsibilities of the TCC include collaborating with staff to provide recommendations to the Executive Board in the development of regional transportation plans and programs.
The MPO Staff provides professional transportation planning services and ongoing administration of planning projects to the entire region. Staff is managed by an Executive Director who reports to the Executive Board.
Funding
MPO planning activities are funded by federal grant programs authorized by the most recent federal transportation bill, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President in 2005. The Tennessee DOT and local government members provide the necessary dollar match for those funds through regional dues.
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