What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization?

A metropolitan planning organization (MPO) is a transportation policy-making organization made up of representatives from local government and transportation authorities. The Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1973 required the formation of a MPO for any urbanized area with a population greater than 50,000. MPOs were created in order to ensure that existing and future expenditures for transportation projects and programs were based on a comprehensive, cooperative, and continuing (3-C) planning process. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process.

Lexington Area MPO Organizational Chart

Lexington Area MPO History

The Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has been involved with transportation planning since being established in 1974. It is responsible, in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), for planning and coordinating all aspects of transportation planning on behalf of local governments within its region, which includes Fayette and Jessamine Counties.

Urbanized Area Outline Map (Census 2000) for Lexington-Fayette, KY

Lexington Area MPO's Prospectus

The Lexington Area MPO's Prospectus outlines the organization and structure of the MPO. Also, the Prospectus details the responsibilities, cooperation and coordination between the Lexington Area MPO and federal, state and local agencies.