The Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration are considering reforms that would enact a sweeping reform of metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).

Alexander Bond updates the ongoing process at the FHWA/FTA to update a rule regarding the consolidation of metropolitan planning organizations.
The proposed rule, titled the "Metropolitan Planning Organization Coordination and Planning Area Reform" rule, was first announced in June. The rule "would essentially force over 140 MPOs to consolidate with nearby MPOs that serve the same Census-defined urban area," according to Bond.
Initial public comments sparked enough interest to cause the FHWA and FTA to extend the comment period, during which the federal agencies are seeking feedback on three specific areas of concern: "(a) under what circumstances would multiple MPOs be allowed to serve a single urban area; (b) the impact of requiring one set of plan documents; and (c) the forecasted cost of the proposed rule."
According to Bond, the new round of public comments signals a "softer line" on MPO reform. The Eno Transportation Weekly has been tracking the proposed rulemaking since the summer, with previous guest columns by Barry Seymour, executive director of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and Steve Heminger, executive director of the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
FULL STORY: MPO Planning Area Rule Reopens for Comments, Signaling a Softer Line on MPO Consolidation from USDOT

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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