3.4.1 Project Planning Partners

Local, regional and other state planning partners are a critical component in TxDOT’s integrated planning process. Depending on the project type and rigor, other applicable requirements should be determined and complied with. Examples of entities to coordinate projects with include but are not limited to:
  • MPO
    – Urbanized Areas (UZAs) (greater than census 50,000 population) are required to have an MPO. The MPO is the local decision-making body responsible for planning and coordinating a multimodal transportation system that facilitates high quality and efficient transportation development in the urban area. MPOs can provide information, studies, or analyses for portions of the transportation system located in metropolitan planning areas. The MPO may also function as the designated contact for rural plan development. A map of Texas MPOs can be found in the Statewide Planning Map. MPOs work with TxDOT to develop the TIP (see
    Section 2.6.1.2
    ). UZAs greater than census 200,000 population are designated as Transportation Management Areas (TMAs). TMAs are required to have a Congestion Management Process (CMP) to address congestion (see
    Section 3.4.5.2
    ). An MPO in a TMA has a strong voice in setting priorities for implementing projects listed in the TIP and is responsible for additional planning products.
  • Rural Planning Organization (RPO)
    – In Texas, RPOs provide rural transportation planning support to places located outside of designated metropolitan planning areas that are served by an MPO. Regional development organizations (known locally as Councils of Government or COGs) have formed and operate RPOs to help address the rural transportation needs of their multi-county regions. RPOs work with TxDOT Districts to develop the TIP for rural areas that are incorporated into the STIP (see
    Section 2.6.1.2
    ). A map of Texas RPOs is shown in the resource link below.
  • Regional Planning Councils
     – Regional planning councils, also referred to as Council of Governments (COG) or Planning Commissions, are comprised of city, county and special district members working together to implement strategies that address statewide and local needs on a regional level. A map of Texas regional councils can be found in the resource link below.
  • Local government planning staff
     – Local governments/municipalities frequently have information that is critical to a project’s development. Some of the plans they can provide include:
    • ADA Self-Evaluation or ADA Transition plans;
    • Bicyclist/pedestrian plans;
    • Comprehensive plans;
    • Economic/commercial development plans;
    • Greenway/trail plans;
    • Neighborhood plans;
    • Other land use plans;
    • Regional transit plans;
    • Street or transportation plans;
    • Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) project plans or other similar plans for other value capture districts; and
    • Transit-oriented Development (TOD) plans.
  • Local and Regional Economic Development Councils (EDC)
     – EDCs are non-profit professional associations dedicated to the development of economic and employment opportunities.
  • Chambers of Commerce (CoC)
     – CoCs are local associations that promote and protect the interests of the business community in a particular place. A list of Texas CoCs can be found in the resource link below.