The Road Ahead: Regional MPO Progress Update

Published
December 16, 2025

Contact
Planner – [email protected] – 813-272-5940

Last updated
December 18, 2025

In 2023, the Hillsborough TPO, Pasco County MPO, and  Forward Pinellas took the initial step toward exploring a regional future by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement laid the groundwork to examine how a new regional MPO could serve the urban areas of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties, and a report was submitted to the Florida Legislature outlining the potential merger.

Fast forward to 2024, and the Transportation Management Area Leadership Group gave the green light to a plan that would help staff and boards figure out how a regional MPO could be staffed, managed, and organized to meet federal requirements.

Through 2025, progress has continued to move ahead. A consultant was hired to carry out the plan, and a kickoff meeting occurred in August. In November, leaders from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas gathered for a Principals’ Workshop to discuss how a merged MPO could operate, including representation and Board membership. Those discussions continued, with the TMA Leadership Group reviewing the workshop outcomes and next steps in mid-December.

Looking ahead, February will bring another big step. County commissions from Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas, along with Tampa City Council members, will be invited to join the TMA Leadership Group for a discussion. Bit by bit, the pieces are coming together as the region explores what a unified MPO could mean for the future of transportation planning. Visit our website for more information: Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization – Plan Hillsborough

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Plan Hillsborough 2026