A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a policy-making body made up of local government and planning agencies focused on improving the transportation system in an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more.
The Martin MPO works with various Federal, state, and local agencies to enhance the overall transportation network in Martin County and coordinates with the MPOs in Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties to improve mobility in the Treasure Coast region. This involves analyzing existing conditions, gathering public input, developing and evaluating improvement strategies, and then financially planning for these improvements.
The MPO’s purpose is to ensure existing and future funding expenditures are the result of continuous, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the five core functions of an MPO are to:
- Establish a fair and impartial decision-making setting
- Identify and evaluate alternative transportation improvement options
- Prepare and maintain a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
- Develop a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- Involve the public in the functions listed above
The Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) is a planning document with a 20+ year horizon completed for Martin County. Within the plan are analyses of current population and travel conditions, 20+ year projected conditions, and identified improvement strategies to facilitate the efficient movement of people and goods.
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a planning document based on long-range transportation goals. It is a financially constrained, short range 5-year program. Within this document is a list of projects, programs, and policies to be initiated within the next four year planning cycle.
The MPO Board meets about six times per year to accomplish the business of the MPO. Normally the meetings are held on the third Monday of the month in the Martin County Commission Chambers. There are also several Advisory Committees that meet regularly to discuss issues to be brought before the Board. Meeting dates and locations can be found here.
The importance of the MPO is derived from the value of the Martin County transportation network. To ensure this network will function properly in the future, thoughtfully prepared plans and strategies have to be developed and implemented today. This work is the responsibility of the MPO.
The MPO works with citizens and agencies at the Federal, state, and local level to develop a long-range vision for transportation in Martin County. The outcome of establishing a long-range vision includes the development of the TIP which displays all projects within the five-year program that are scheduled for funding. The strategies developed through the LRTP have the potential to impact travel patterns and flow, support economic development, and to direct future growth. Therefore, your input is critical in developing and sustaining this long-range vision.
The Martin MPO is funded with a combination of Federal, state, and local funds. The funding agencies are as follows:
- Federal Highway Administration
- Federal Transit Administration
- Florida Department of Transportation
- Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
- Martin County
The MPO website is regularly updated and is designed to be a source of current and useful information. Easily accessible information is also found on the links provided here.
All MPO meetings and events are open to the public and are advertised on this site. During each meeting, there is an opportunity to learn more about current issues affecting transportation in Martin County as well as a public comment period. Also, if you would like to become a member of an Advisory Committee, you are encouraged to apply for one of the vacancies listed here.
