How is an MPO formed?
An MPO is designated by agreement between the Governor and local governments representing 75 percent of the affected metropolitan population. This agreement outlines the membership of its policy-making body, standing committees, and the geographic area served by the MPO. Q: Who belongs to an MPO? The voting 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. Q: How is the Planning Area Boundary 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 Environmental Protection Agency standard for certain pollutants) under the Clean Air Act, must be included in the MPO boundary, unless there is an agreement between the MPO an
