The Rewind: TPO Board January 2026 Highlights

On January 14, 2026, the TPO Board meeting covered a wide range of topics, from updated safety targets to the Plan Hillsborough 2025 Annual Report. Here’s a brief look at the key takeaways:

Committee reports brought a full update on recent discussions from each of several advisory groups. Rick Fernandez, Chair of the CAC, shared highlights from its most recent meeting. The committee completed its annual attendance review, elected officers, and recommended that the TPO Board consider removing members with extended absences. The CAC raised concerns about the 2026 Safety Performance Targets and Public Transit Safety Plan Targets, noting that the numbers did not feel like meaningful targets and requesting more information on the return on investment for safety projects. Members also expressed concern about the frequency of mechanical failures on buses, recommended that the Board not accept the targets and that committee members receive more information soon.

The first action item the Board took on was the 2026 Safety Performance Targets and Public Transit Agency Safety Plan Targets. The data show that fatalities are trending downward; the targets reflect an additional one‑percent reduction by the end of the year. The Board unanimously approved the targets. Although some felt the targets lacked a clear connection to the actions taken to achieve them. Staff are preparing a safety effectiveness study for release in the near future, and the State of the System Report will provide additional insights to the crashes occurring across the county.

The TPO Prioritization Process Evaluation was also reviewed. With no strict federal methodology required, staff presented an approach that incorporates project readiness and improves communication about how projects move forward. Members discussed avoiding biased language and clarified when numerical rankings apply. The Board unanimously approved the evaluation.

An update on the Traffic Signal Prioritization Study followed. Staff shared the evaluation criteria and ranking methodology. There was considerable interest in this topic and feedback generally advised incorporating lessons learned during the 2024 hurricane season.

Plan Hillsborough presented its 2025 Annual Report, covering the 2024-2029 plan period. The report highlighted key projects, partnerships, community engagement, environmental resilience, and technology improvements.

In the Executive Director’s report, staff proposed canceling the February special meeting. This was approved unanimously. The February 13, 2026TMA meeting at THEA will include invitations to BOCC and City of Tampa members to review options for board apportionment. Legislative updates covered bills on Class 3 e-bike regulations, pedestrian technologies near school zones, EV registration fees, insurance requirements for transportation network companies, and clarifications on golf cart crossings. Mayor Ross encouraged attendance at the Sun Coast League of Cities meeting.  It was asked when an update on Waymo’s deployment is expected; that should be ready for the February 11^th meeting. That’s it for this month’s update. You can catch the full meeting recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRD0WGVE3pk