The Rewind: TPO December Meetings

TPO Special Meeting, December 2, 2025

The September special meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

No public comment was received.

Chair Ross acknowledged Commissioner Wostal for his role in resolving HTV coverage of TPO Board meetings, which will continue to be held on the second Wednesday of each month with minor exceptions. The draft 2026 meeting calendar was reviewed against local government schedules to avoid conflicts. The TPO Board adopted the 2026 meeting calendar unanimously.

Dr. Wong presented the 2025 TPO Business Operations report, which aims to provide the Board with deeper insight into the strengths of the TPO beyond the required metrics in federal and state reviews. The report is organized around five key areas: operational effectiveness, accountability and regulatory compliance, recognition and reputation, stewardship of public resources, and workforce investment. Highlights included prompt production of core documents, ongoing coordination with FDOT and local agencies, active involvement in planning councils, and a thorough update of the TPO Bylaws. The TPO staff have also been  using a cost-benefit model for projects, as directed by the Board. The report also highlighted brand-building initiatives, the efficient use of public funds, streamlined invoicing processes, and positive workforce survey results, which showed a strong work-life balance and supportive leadership. For 2026, staff will continue to refine procedures, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and enhance communication. School Board Member Gray recommended exploring AI integration and capturing broader goals for future reports. The Board unanimously adopted the report [final report].

The Regional MPO Support Service Update included a review of the Principals’ Workshop. Sarah Caper, TPO Staff, provided an overview of the workshop and Board discussion followed. Commissioner Cohen raised concerns about the Port and Airport not being included as voting members and about the lack of veto authority, with Mayor Kilton and School Board Member Gray agreeing. Mr. Slater noted difficulty envisioning the final product and working on the best options to achieve that goal, while Planning Commissioner Joseph praised TPO leadership for this study and project. Councilmember Hurtak criticized the workshop’s organization but acknowledged the principals’ breakout as effective. Mayor Ross suggested examining the Hampton Roads model for potential application in the Tampa Bay region. The discussion highlighted the importance of including elected officials in ongoing conversations.

The Executive Director’s report confirmed the next regular meeting on December 10 in the BOCC boardroom and the upcoming TMA/SCTPA leadership meeting on December 12 at Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority. Mr. Slater will attend meetings in Washington, DC, to discuss best practices for MPOs, DOTs, and transportation agencies to collaborate on improving transportation systems. He offered to share the results with the Board.

A recording of this meeting can be viewed here: Transportation Planning Organization Special Meeting – 12.02.25

TPO Regular Meeting, December 10, 2025

Four public comments were received, all voiced opposition to the TIP amendment adding I-4 Express Lanes from I-75 to County Line Road. The meeting then moved into committee reports. The CAC provided detailed feedback on both the Brightline study and the I-4 widening project, highlighting issues related to interoperability with other transportation modes and the balance between managed lanes and expansion. Although opinions on the TIP amendment were divided, it ultimately passed by a 9–5 vote. TAC, LRC, and BPAC all recommended approving the Brightline study, with additional comments regarding traveler connections. Comments gathered from social media were also shared with the Board to ensure broader public input was represented.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously by voice vote. Board officers and committee appointments were confirmed, with Mayor Ross being reappointed as Chair, Commissioner Wostal as Vice Chair, Commissioner Myers as Chair of TDCB, Councilmember Hurtak as LRC Chair, and Mr. Klug as Alternate to MPOAC.

The Board then discussed two main items: the Brightline Station Area Study and the TIP amendment. The Brightline presentation covered survey responses, station access, neighborhood connections, and wayfinding strategies. Discussion included transit connections, affordability issues, and doubts about whether survey results reflected the views of average citizens or mainly transit advocates. Some opposed building a station in Ybor City due to limited space and historic preservation concerns, while others raised issues about competition with Tampa Airport and emphasized the need for strong connections to ensure the project’s success. Affordability was a common topic, with survey respondents reporting household incomes of $100K and above, raising questions about access for typical families. There was also debate about positioning HART for countywide connections and mention of a new hospital being built near the study area. Several members noted that the success of Brightline depends on planning for connections beyond the station itself, recognizing that implementation could take years. Despite these concerns, the Brightline report was approved unanimously by voice vote.

The TIP amendment focused on expanding I-4 by adding one lane on each side, with construction expected to begin in 2028. The presentation covered costs, reasons for expansion, and the overall future buildout. Mayor Kilton asked Secretary Hall to respond to objections raised during public comments. Secretary Hall confirmed that the transit envelope would remain unchanged, preserving expectations for future transit development. If a second express lane is added, it would be outside the existing lanes. The discussion also included the 44-foot width originally designated for Florida high-speed rail, with clarification that Plant City never had this width and that any transit there would require elevated structures. The conversation addressed ingress and egress points and whether new on- and off-ramps would be included in the design. The plan aligns with a federally approved NEPA document from 2019, and the amendment serves as a funding tool rather than a redesign. It was also noted that transit vehicles will continue to operate toll-free in express lanes, ensuring access for public transportation. Overall, the amendment reflects long-term planning for regional mobility while balancing expansion with future transit opportunities.

A recording of this meeting can be viewed here: Transportation Planning Organization Board Meeting – 12.10.25