The Rewind: April Special Meeting & May TPO Board Meeting recap

TPO rewind graphic

Published
May 10, 2024

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

Last updated
May 22, 2024

On April 30th, the TPO held a Special Meeting and took action on the Tampa Bay MPO Board Transit Operators Options. This action item took place in the context of considering a merged Metropolitan Planning Organization. The two options to decide on were to have the Transit Operators present as voting members or as non-voting advisors. Many pros and cons were weighed throughout the discussion with some Board members expressing their concern about the dilemma Board members may face when trying to remain in compliance with Sunshine Laws if the transit operators were to be voting members. Sunshine Laws are regulations that mandate transparency and disclosure in government and business operations, aiming to prevent corruption, ensure accountability, and encourage public involvement in decision-making. It was also noted that allowing Transit Operators to function as non-voting advisors with subject matter expertise would allow the Board to efficiently make informed decisions. To ensure that the TPO Board provided their representatives at the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area with a decision in preparation for the TMA Leadership Group meeting on May 17th, a vote was taken. The Board ultimately approved the motion to have the Transit Operators serve as non-voting advisors.

At the May TPO Board meeting, the Board took action on the following items:

  • Fiscal Year 2025 to 2026 Unified Planning Work Program Adoption
  • Access 2050 Plan Needs Assessment for Major Projects: Performance Data
  • 2024 State of the System Report

All these action items were approved by the Board. However, the Access 2050 Plan Needs Assessment for Major Projects spurred many questions and discussion. In particular, a question arose regarding the premium transit projects outlined in the plan. TPO staff clarified that the meaning of premium transit in the context of this Needs Assessment can be defined as transit that has a fixed guideway that would not be subject to change. It was explained that by choosing this approach, it would increase investors’ confidence in the proposed projects. Board members expressed their desire for more detailed reports with text identifying what legal requirements are being met by the study. This will bring greater understanding to the discussions when the Board is taking action on items.

Following the action items, Dr. Johnny Wong shared the Executive Director’s Report which included the announcement of the upcoming Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Public Hearing that will take place on June 12th, 2024. Checkout the TIP project page to learn more about the projects that will be featured. The public comment period is now open for those who would like to provide their input. To share your comments email us at [email protected] or call (813) 272-5940. You can also leave comments on the TPO’s Facebook Event page at: Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Public Hearing

Interested in viewing all the proceedings? Recordings of the TPO Board Meetings can be viewed on our YouTube channel: Transportation Planning Organization – YouTube

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Plan Hillsborough 2026