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
Sara Fields serves as the Executive Director for the Ozarks Transportation Organization located in Springfield, Missouri. She has been employed with OTO since 2003 and was appointed as the Executive Director in 2011. She was an integral part in transitioning the OTO from the City of Springfield to a stand-alone organization in 2008. Sara formerly worked as a Planner for the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas where she coordinated the development review process and planning compliance.
Uryan serves as the Director for the Killeen-Temple MPO, Development District of Central Texas, and Director pf Planning and Regional Services for the Central Texas Council of Governments. He has served in this capacity since April 2018. Prior to this, he served as the Public Safety Director for the Texas Association of Regional Councils, and has been in public service for over 25 years.
Committee Members
Board Liaison
Executive Director, Rapides Area Planning Commission
AMPO Board Member and Policy Committee Liaison
Matt Johns has 16 years of planning experience between the Rapides Area Planning Commission and the Louisiana DOTD. He is currently the Executive Director of the Rapides Area Planning Commission, a member of the Louisiana Planning Council, and on the board of directors for the Louisiana Transportation Authority as well as the Louisiana Community Development Authority. He also served as vice-chairman of the policy committee for AMPO, serves on the AMPO Board of Directors, and serves on multiple committees for the Transportation Research Board. Since joining RAPC, Matt has led the expansion of the MPO from 5 staff members to 19 – accompanied by an annual operating budget that grew from $250,000 to $2.5 million per year. This was accomplished by offering technical assistance to surrounding jurisdictions, providing the expertise of RAPC’s talented staff to assist almost any need – transportation related or otherwise. Matt has a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Louisiana College and obtained his professional planning certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Staff Contact
Legislative Director
Main contact for: Policy Committee, Intergovernmental Affairs Group, NOFO Tracker, National Beat Policy Newsletter, Legislative, Policy, or Federal Advocacy inquiries, and Congressional Compass.
keconomou@ampo.org
202.280.1935
