Roadmap to Reauthorization

What is Reauthorization—and Why Does It Matter?

Reauthorization is a vital part of the federal transportation policy cycle. During this process, Congress reviews and updates the funding and policy framework for surface transportation programs to ensure they address the nation’s infrastructure needs and emerging challenges. These decisions shape how transportation projects are planned, funded, and implemented across the country. Learn more about this process and it’s impacts on MPOs in AMPO’s Reauthorization 101 guide here.

With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) set to expire on September 30, 2026, the upcoming reauthorization is a unique opportunity to work together on solutions that support communities nationwide and drive progress.

For MPOs, this process is essential. It secures the resources and policies needed to create long-term transportation solutions that reflect local and regional priorities. At AMPO, we’re dedicated to advocating for these priorities by working with policymakers, federal agencies, and industry partners to help shape a transportation future that benefits everyone.

New to MPOs? Learn more about their vital role in transportation planning with AMPO’s MPO 101 Primer here. AMPO also provides comprehensive training and educational resources through the MPO Institute—explore more here.

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 an increase in the total amount of metropolitan planning funds and increase the federal share to adequately meet the needs of the evolving role 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.
MPOs Becoming Direct Recipients for Certain Federal Funds: We support greater flexibility in granting direct recipient status to MPOs for certain federal funds. This will streamline the funding process, eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, and empower MPOs to make decisions that directly benefit their respective communities, while reaching national goals.
- 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 safety, mobility and economic vitality for residents.
- 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. Reducing match requirements supports rural and economically distressed communities that struggle to access critical federal funds.
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. However, we understand the supplementary value discretionary programs can provide and will continue to advocate for the programs that garner the support of MPOs.

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 Engagement

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 approaches, strategic communication, targeted engagement, grassroots mobilization, and continuous adaptation. Learn more in AMPO’s Engagement Toolkit and our Policy Roadmap II.

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

Get Involved: AMPO’s Engagement Toolkit

AMPO invites MPOs to get involved and explore the MPO Engagement Toolkit. This toolkit is here to help you educate decision-makers on transportation initiatives that improve transportation outcomes for communities nationwide. Whether you’re new to engagement or looking to refine your approach, you’ll find essential resources to make your efforts more effective.

Your participation is key in showcasing the role MPOs play in creating sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation solutions for communities nationwide.

Access AMPO’s Engagement Toolkit below.

Access AMPO's Engagement Toolkit

For more information on how to get involved in AMPO’s reauthorization efforts, please contact Katie Economou, Legislative Director, 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

Staff Contact

Katie Economou

Legislative Director, AMPO

keconomou@ampo.org

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