MPO Handbook

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Planning and Programming Handbook serves as Texas’ comprehensive guide to metropolitan planning and programming requirements. Its purpose is to clearly document key federal and state processes, support consistent implementation across the state, and provide practical guidance for TxDOT, MPOs, and transportation planning partners.

To promote alignment and consistency across planning documents, the MPO Handbook was developed in tandem with the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Handbook, which offers complementary guidance to support the same goal.

The Handbook reflects extensive collaboration among partners statewide. Representatives from MPOs, TxDOT districts and divisions, and the FHWA Texas Division contributed their expertise throughout the development process, ensuring the final product is both accurate and applicable to real‑world planning needs.

1. Introduction
2. MPO Organization, Formation, and Modification
3. Statewide Planning and Programming
4. MPO Work Program Administration
5. Metropolitan Transportation Plan
6. Transportation Improvement Program
7. Performance Management
8. Public Involvement
9. Title VI and Nondiscrimination Program Guidance
10. Congestion Management Process
11. Air Quality Conformity
12. Certification and Review of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process