Document Type
Statistical Report
Publication Date
2-1-2026
Abstract
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) depend on non-federal and non-state contributions to unlock federal planning dollars and carry out regional transportation planning. These local funds are essential, yet often difficult for MPOs to secure. This report provides a national assessment of how MPOs generate local revenue, the barriers they encounter, and the actions they have taken to address those challenges.
The project combined a national literature review with survey responses from 129 MPOs. Together, these sources reveal a system in which MPOs operate under significant structural constraints related to local fiscal capacity, administrative requirements, political dynamics, and state statutes. These conditions shape which funding strategies are realistically available. Despite these limitations, MPOs employ a wide range of approaches to meet match requirements and sustain their transportation planning programs.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.5038/NJPE1044
Scholar Commons Citation
Dinehart, Taylor; Boyd, Tia; and Kramer, Jeff, "Exploring Local Funding Mechanisms for MPOs Across the U.S." (2026). CUTR Internal Grant Research Program. 8.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cutr_igrp/8
