MY AMPO

Roadmap to Reauthorization

Steering Ahead: AMPO’s Policy Roadmap II

AMPO is pushing forward with new policy initiatives, guided by research, MPO surveys, and strong collaboration across our committees. We’ve been actively engaging with Congress, federal agencies, and partners to highlight the challenges identified by the MPO community as we continue to implement the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Our issue papers, informed by MPO feedback, are key tools in our advocacy. We’ve also strengthened partnerships with key industry partners to amplify our collective voice.

Looking to 2025 and beyond, we’re focused on ensuring MPO priorities are front and center in the reauthorization process. Your support is crucial, and we’re grateful for the dedication of all AMPO members as we continue this journey together.

Read the full 2024 Policy Roadmap below.

Steering Ahead: AMPO's Policy Roadmap II

AMPO’s Legislative Priorities

Our draft federal reauthorization priorities are as follows:

  • Increased Planning Funds: We advocate for increased metropolitan planning funds and a higher federal share to meet the growing demands and responsibilities of MPOs. These funds empower MPOs to plan for transportation systems that are responsive to the needs of our communities, fostering economic growth, safety, and mobility.
  • Reduced Local Match Requirements: By reducing local match requirements for federal transportation funds, we aim to give MPOs the flexibility to address critical infrastructure needs. This will help build resilient and accessible transportation systems that better connect neighborhoods and improve quality of life for all.
  • Shifting from Discretionary to Formula-based Funding for Certain Programs: A shift to formula-based funding for certain federal programs ensures a more predictable and equitable distribution of resources, allowing MPOs to strategically plan for the long-term growth of their communities.
  • MPOs Becoming Direct Recipients for Certain Federal Funds: Granting MPOs direct recipient status for specific federal funds will streamline the funding process, allowing for quicker and more effective implementation of projects that directly benefit our communities and reduce administrative delays.
  • Allowing the Carryover of Federal Funds: Allowing the carryover of federal funds from one fiscal year to the next ensures uninterrupted progress on essential long-term projects, promoting consistent infrastructure improvements that enhance mobility, safety, and economic vitality for residents.

Another area of interest is ensuring the stability and sustainability of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF). The reauthorization process presents an opportunity to address funding challenges and advocate for long-term solutions that secure this vital resource. We are committed to working with policymakers to develop strategies that protect and expand the transportation networks our communities rely on.

We believe that addressing these priorities will enhance the ability of MPOs to deliver effective, efficient, sustainable, and equitable transportation solutions for communities across the nation.

Read AMPO’s Legislative Priorities Primer below.

AMPO's Legislative Priorities Primer

AMPO’s Survey Reports and Issue Papers

AMPO conducted surveys to identify key needs and challenges faced by MPOs, leading to reports on four legislative priorities: reducing match requirements, shifting certain programs from discretionary to formula funding, managing obligation and carryover authority, and allowing MPOs to become direct recipients of federal funds. These reports guide our advocacy efforts to ensure MPOs’ voices are heard.

We also emphasize the importance of the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) for transportation infrastructure. MPOs rely on HTF funds to plan and coordinate federal highway and transit investments. To keep our members informed, we’ve created a one-pager and a detailed primer on this critical topic.

 

Read AMPO’s Survey Reports and Issue Papers below.

Local Match Requirements for Federal Formula Funding Survey Report

Under current federal match requirements, many MPOs, particularly smaller ones, face challenges in meeting the local match due to limited revenue and staff, which can delay critical infrastructure projects.

While some MPOs have adopted strategies like crowdsourcing and partnerships to address these issues, these solutions are not sufficient to fully resolve the financial strain. There’s a strong push for increased federal funding and more flexible match requirements to give MPOs the financial flexibility needed to plan and deliver projects more effectively.

The survey emphasized the need for more adaptable funding structures to better support MPOs in meeting their transportation goals.

Learn more in the full report and executive summary below.

Local Match Requirements for Federal Formula Funding Report
Executive Summary

Discretionary Grants and MPO Insights Survey Report

Shifting certain discretionary programs to formula-based funding may provide a more equitable and predictable distribution of resources, enabling MPOs to plan and implement long-term transportation projects more effectively.

The survey revealed that many MPOs face challenges with complex grant applications and limited staffing, leading to support for a shift toward formula funding to reduce financial burdens and ensure equitable distribution. Despite these administrative challenges, MPOs are increasingly ready to manage discretionary funds directly for more efficient project delivery.

Learn more in the full report and executive summary below.

Discretionary Grants and MPO Insights Report
Executive Summary

Direct Federal Funding and MPOs Survey Report

Granting MPOs direct recipient status for certain federal funds could streamline the funding process, remove bureaucratic hurdles, and give MPOs more control over decisions that benefit their communities.

The survey highlighted the positive effects of direct funding programs like Safe Streets and Roads for All, with many MPOs seeking this status for greater autonomy and efficiency. However, smaller MPOs may require additional guidance, training, and resources to effectively manage the increased workload that comes with direct funding.

Learn more in the full report and executive summary below.

Direct Federal Funding and MPOs Report
Executive Summary

Unobligated Balances and Project Timeline Report

Under current federal law (23 USC 118), funds allocated to states are available for obligation for three years after the fiscal year they were authorized. However, the law doesn’t require states to extend this obligation authority beyond the current fiscal year, leading to different practices across the country. As a result, some MPOs face restrictions on accessing their full funding beyond the current year.

MPOs have expressed a need for consistent access to their funds throughout the life of the federal transportation bill, which would provide greater flexibility in planning and implementing projects. Allowing MPOs to carry over funds to future years would support the completion of long-term and large-scale projects, reducing the pressure to rush projects to avoid losing funding.

The survey found that while most MPOs have planned and programmed their available funds, the actual obligation often takes more than a year. Without the ability to carry over unobligated funds, MPOs risk losing programmed funds. There is a need for more transparency and consistency in carryover policies across states.

Learn more in the Unobligated Balances and Project Timeline Report below.

Unobligated Balances and Project Timeline Report
Executive Summary

Navigating the Future of Transportation Funding: The Highway Trust Fund

AMPO recognizes the vital role the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) plays in supporting transportation infrastructure. MPOs rely on HTF funding for key programs like Planning Funds, the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and Transportation Alternatives to plan for efficient and resilient transportation networks.

The HTF faces serious challenges from stagnant fuel tax rates, fuel-efficient vehicles, and the rise of electric vehicles, all of which reduce revenue. This threatens the funding of essential projects. AMPO is actively working with MPOs and partners to explore solutions. We’ve created a one-pager and primer to keep members informed on this issue.

Learn more in the full issue paper and one-pager below.

Navigating the Future of Transportation Funding: The Highway Trust Fund
Executive Summary

Strategic Advocacy

As reauthorization nears, AMPO is taking proactive steps to address MPO issues in the federal funding process. We’re engaging with elected officials and industry partners to ensure MPO needs are prioritized. Our strategies include coalition building, data-driven advocacy, strategic communication, targeted engagement, grassroots mobilization, and continuous adaptation. Learn more in our Policy Roadmap II.

Your support is crucial in making sure our community’s voice is heard. Since not every MPO can advocate on its own, AMPO is here to champion our members’ collective interests. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Share Your Stories: Get Involved

AMPO invites MPOs to share stories that highlight both challenges and successes in transportation planning. These stories will help emphasize the need for adequate resources and authority, and demonstrate the real-world impact MPOs have on their communities.

By sharing your experiences—whether about overcoming challenges or implementing successful initiatives—you’ll help us advocate for policies that strengthen the work of MPOs nationwide. Your stories are vital in showcasing the role MPOs play in creating sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation solutions.

Share your story below.

Share Your Stories: MPO Impact

For more information on how to get involved in AMPO’s reauthorization efforts, please contact AMPO’s Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, Katie Economou, at keconomou@ampo.org.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: AMPO’s 2023 Priorities

Federal transportation bills, like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), play a crucial role in shaping the funding and policies for highways, transit, and other surface transportation across the U.S. Enacted in November 2021, the IIJA represents a historic $550 billion investment and is vital to MPOs’ efforts in planning and coordinating federal transportation projects. As the IIJA approaches its expiration on September 30, 2026, Congress will need to either extend it or pass a new bill to avoid disrupting transportation funding and progress.

To learn more, read the full Policy Roadmap below.

Driving Progress: AMPO's Policy Roadmap

As the landscape of transportation funding and policy continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we stand together to advocate for our shared interests. AMPO is committed to supporting sustainable transportation systems that drive economic growth, promote social equity, and safeguard the environment.

With the upcoming reauthorization on the horizon, we’re focusing on several draft legislative priorities that align with our members’ needs. These priorities have been shaped through member surveys and meetings, ensuring they reflect the collective voice of our community.

To learn more, read the full Policy Roadmap below.

Driving Progress: AMPO's Policy Roadmap

Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act: AMPO’s 2020 Priorities

The past surface transportation law, the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), expires September 30, 2020.  The FAST Act authorized $305 billion over five years, the first long-term bill since 2005. Congressional infrastructure committees on both sides of the Capitol are drafting reauthorization bills, with the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee leading the way. The EPW Committee approved a 5-year, $287 billion highway bill in July 2019.  The bill, S. 2302, the America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act (ATIA) of 2019 was approved unanimously by the committee. The largest increase would come in the first year with a 17% jump over the last year of the FAST Act, and then grow at about 2% for the next four years. The bill is not paid for and estimates are that it would need an additional $83 billion in revenue over current receipts into the Highway Trust Fund (HTF).  Once the public transportation and motor carrier safety titles are completed the total cost of the bill would again add to the total costs of the bill.  The other Senate Committees (Banking -transit, Commerce-motor carrier and safety, and Finance-revenue) have not acted yet.  The House T&I Committee hopes to release a bill before the summer of 2020.

Through the heard work of the AMPO policy committee and Board reauthorization requests were finalized and delivered to the EPW Committee ahead of the April 2019 deadline. Since this submission AMPO continues to engage both Hose and Senate Committee staffs as well as Congressional member offices.

Below are the highlights of AMPO’s 2020 requests to Congress:

  • Fix the Highway Trust Fund & Provide A Long-Term Revenue Solution for The Federal Share of Transportation
  • Increase Federal Investment in Transportation
  • Increase Planning Funds for Metropolitan Planning to Meet Federal Planning Requirements
  • Allocate STBGP Funds to All MPOs Regardless of Population
  • Restore the Share of STBGP Apportionment to Local Jurisdictions (62.5%)
  • Improve Project Selection Authority and Local Governance on MPO Boards
  • Support Continued Development of Multi-Modal National Freight Network with Dedicated Funding
  • Empower High-Performing MPOs With Increased Responsibilities, Supporting Local Control and Decision-Making.

For any questions or assistance, please contact Katie Economou, Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Manager, at keconomou@ampo.org .

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