FY2022

METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) OF JOHNSON COUNTY OPERATIONS

It is the mission of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County to fulfill state and federal requirements necessary to receive state and federal transportation capital and operating funds; to conduct transportation and traffic studies related to public and private development projects; to provide traffic data collection and analysis services, prepare and administer transportation-related grants; and serve as a body for regional policy and project- related discussions. Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) designations are made by the Governor of the State of Iowa. The MPO of Johnson County serves the Iowa City Urbanized Area, which includes Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, University Heights and the University of Iowa. The MPO coordinates planning efforts for all of Johnson County in: transportation planning, data collection and analysis, and assistance to small communities. Member agencies outside of the Iowa City Urbanized Area include Johnson County, Hills, Lone Tree, Oxford, Shueyville, Solon, and Swisher. The MPO fulfills federal requirements involving the transportation planning process in order to maintain eligibility for grant programs through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The "3-C" transportation planning process consists of a comprehensive, coordinated and continuing planning effort for all modes of transportation. Projects include short and long-range transportation plans, corridor studies, intersection analyses, survey reports, and review of development projects. The MPO also prepares state and federal grant applications and fulfills the associated administration and regulation compliance. In past years, the MPO has also facilitated discussion on regional issues including a fire protection mutual aid agreement, joint animal control facilities, a Joint Emergency Communications Center, and affordable housing issues. Although funding is received from all MPO members, the MPO is organized under the City of Iowa City. Through a 28(e) agreement, staff provides assistance to the other members of MPOJC. This provides for cost-effective sharing of clerical, accounting, office space and vehicle pool expenditures.

HIGHLIGHTS

Recent Accomplishments:

 Completion of the fiscal year 2020 Transportation Planning Work Program & adoption of the fiscal year 2021 Work Program  Completion of the MPO Fiscal Year 2021-2024 Transportation Improvement Program and acceptance by the Iowa DOT, Federal Transit Administration, and Federal Highway Administration.

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