The AMPO Policy Committee brings together 30 MPO representatives from a variety of regions and sizes, ensuring our members’ diverse needs and priorities are front and center. Appointed by AMPO’s Board of Directors, the committee—alongside support from AMPO’s Technical Committee—dives into federal legislation, regulations, and policies that impact MPOs. They shape position statements and develop legislative proposals designed to strengthen the metropolitan planning process and empower MPOs to achieve their goals. By collaborating with AMPO’s Intergovernmental Affairs Group, the committee also helps craft clear and effective messaging to advance these priorities.
Core Functions
The Policy Committee is the driving force behind AMPO’s federal policy agenda, shaping innovative concepts that form the foundation of MPO advocacy. By crafting issue papers, position statements, and legislative proposals, the committee ensures MPO priorities are effectively represented at the national level.
Identifying Legislative Priorities
Through a collaborative process, the Policy Committee identifies critical issues impacting MPOs by gathering feedback, case studies, and data. These insights help shape AMPO’s legislative priorities, ensuring they address real-world challenges while aligning with long-term transportation goals.
Developing Impactful Policy
The Policy Committee leads AMPO’s federal policy efforts by developing innovative concepts that shape the foundation of MPO advocacy. Through the creation of issue papers, position statements, and legislative proposals, the committee provides a strong framework for advancing MPO priorities.
Advancing Policy Through Messaging
Partnering closely with the Intergovernmental Affairs Group, the Policy Committee ensures that MPO priorities are communicated with clarity and impact. The committee equips MPOs with essential advocacy tools—such as talking points, educational resources, and model legislative language—empowering them to engage effectively with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
Driving Legislative Progress
The Policy Committee actively engages with decision-makers to transform MPO priorities into actionable policies. By bridging the gap between ideas and outcomes, the committee plays a pivotal role in advancing federal policies that support communities nationwide.
About
The AMPO Policy Committee brings together 30 MPO representatives from a variety of regions and sizes, ensuring our members’ diverse needs and priorities are front and center. Appointed by AMPO’s Board of Directors, the committee—alongside support from AMPO’s Technical Committee—dives into federal legislation, regulations, and policies that impact MPOs. They shape position statements and develop legislative proposals designed to strengthen the metropolitan planning process and empower MPOs to achieve shared goals. In collaboration with AMPO’s Intergovernmental Affairs Group, the committee also assists with the development of clear and effective advocacy messaging to advance these priorities.
Members of the Policy Committee meet regularly throughout the year and are responsible for a variety of key tasks, including:
- Assisting in the preparation of legislative proposals for reauthorization, including developing recommendations that support the metropolitan planning process and ensure MPOs are empowered to achieve their goals.
- Reviewing and responding to federal legislation, regulations, and policies that impact MPOs, and providing actionable input to shape AMPO’s statements and proposals.
- Collaborating with AMPO’s Intergovernmental Affairs Group to craft clear and impactful messaging for advocacy efforts.
- Offering feedback on policy deliverables, such as issue papers, advocacy tools, and educational resources, to ensure these materials are aligned with the needs and priorities of MPOs.
- Acting as the “Eyes and Ears” of AMPO by sharing on-the-ground insights about how federal policies are being implemented across MPOs and their regions.
Each member serves a three-year term, with a maximum of three terms. Open positions are filled annually through AMPO’s call for interest, which typically launches in mid-to-late summer.
Leadership Team
Committee Members
Deborah Reardon
Planning Manager, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Term 1
James Corless
Executive Director, Sacramento Area Council of Governments
Term 1
Sara Devlin
Executive Director, Bangor Area Comprehensive Transportation System
Term 1
David Behrend
Executive Director, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority
Term 1
Elizabeth Scott
Principal Policy Analyst, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Term 1
Anna Gremling
Executive Director, Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization
Term 1
Eve Mcmenamy
Deputy Executive Director, Spokane Regional Transportation Council
Term 1
James (Jim) Stack
Executive Director, Genesee Transportation Council
Term 1
Erick Aune
MPO Officer, Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization
Term 1
Paul Calvaresi
Intergovernmental Manager, Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization
Term 1
Ron Papsdorf
Transportation Planning and Operations Director, Denver Regional Council of Governments
Term 1
Kate Horton
Principal Planner, Memphis Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Term 1
Bill Higgins
Executive Director, California State Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations
Term 1
Francis Pickering
Executive Director, Western Connecticut Council of Governments
Term 2
Lyn Erickson
Director of Plan Development and Program Coordination, National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board
Term 2
Regina Aris
Assistant Director Transportation Planning, Baltimore Metropolitan Council
Term 2
Peter Koeppel
MPO Officer, Farmington Metropolitan Planning Organization
Term 2
Gary Huttmann
Executive Director, MetroPlan Orlando
Term 2
Becky Karasko
Transportation Planning Director, North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization
Term 3
Casey Covington
Deputy Director, Metroplan Central Arkansas
Term 3
Andrew Gruber
Executive Director, Wasatch Front Regional Council
Term 3
Amy Vennewitz
Deputy Director, Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities
Term 3
Will Feeney
Planning Administrator, Atlanta Regional Commission
Emerging Professional
Stella Jordan
Public Engagement Program Manager, Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
Emerging Professional
Bethany Brandt-Sargent
Senior Transportation Planner, Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities
Emerging Professional
Amanda Wilson
Senior Program Manager, North Central Texas Council of Governments
Ex-officio
David Wessel
Transportation Planning Manager, Metroplan Flagstaff
Ex-officio
Tyler Meyer
MPO Planner Transportation Planning Division Manager, Greensboro Department of Transportation
Ex-officio
Board Liasion
Staff Contact
