The Applied Research & Training Committee brings together MPO professionals from across the country to guide AMPO’s work in education, research, and practice development. The committee focuses on helping MPOs strengthen their day-to-day work by shaping training programs, advising on applied research, and sharing practical tools and lessons learned across regions. Its role is to ensure that AMPO’s resources are grounded in real-world MPO experience and responsive to the challenges agencies face on the ground.
Formerly known as the Technical Committee, the committee updated its name to better reflect how its work has evolved over time. Today, it serves as AMPO’s hub for learning and innovation, supporting MPOs with accessible training, relevant research, and peer-driven guidance. While AMPO’s Policy Committee advances national priorities, the Applied Research & Training Committee helps MPOs put those priorities into action through knowledge, tools, and shared practice.
CORE FUNCTIONS
The ART Committee’s work centers on equipping MPOs with practical tools, timely insights, and collaborative opportunities that strengthen the technical foundation of the metropolitan planning process.
Education & Training Leadership
The committee shapes AMPO’s national training portfolio, including MPO Institute courses, workshops, and conference programming. Members review and rank proposals for the AMPO Annual Conference and Planning Tools & Training Symposium to ensure sessions are practical, engaging, and grounded in real MPO experience.
Applied Research & State of the Practice
The committee serves as an advisory partner to the AMPO Research Foundation, helping guide research projects and practice-focused resources. This includes reviewing draft MPO Institute materials and shaping State of the Practice reports that track trends, spotlight innovation, and share lessons learned across MPOs nationwide. Its goal is to turn research into guidance MPO staff can actually use.
Practice Implementation & Peer Guidance
The committee helps MPOs stay ahead of change by reviewing emerging planning tools, design concepts, and new technologies. Through structured peer feedback and professional insight, it supports agencies as they adapt to new requirements and evolving industry practices.
Rapid Regulatory & Implementation Feedback
Through AMPO’s Rapid Responder structure, the committee provides timely, actionable input on draft rules, regulatory updates, and implementation questions. This ensures MPO perspectives inform AMPO’s comments and communications and that federal requirements reflect the realities MPOs face on the ground.
Community of Learning & Collaboration
The committee strengthens AMPO’s network by working with partner organizations such as ITS America, AASHTO, WTS, COMPTO, NARC, NADO, NACo, and NLC. This collaboration connects technical insight with policy discussions, expands access to training opportunities, and reduces duplication by sharing knowledge across organizations.
Leadership Team
Tim Canan
Planning Data and Research Program Director, NCRTPB
2026 – 2028 Chair
Director-level program and project manager with more than 30 years of experience in land use, transportation, and environmental planning, public engagement, research, and policy analysis in the private and public sectors.
Sarah Caper
Executive Planner, Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization
2026 – 2028 Vice Chair
Sarah Caper, AICP, is an Executive Planner with the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization. She serves as the liaison for the Citizens Advisory Committee and leads the Safe Streets and Community Partnerships Team. Sarah holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida. Previously, she worked at Hillsborough County in the Community & Infrastructure Planning Department and at Forward Pinellas, the MPO for Pinellas County, Florida.
Committee Members
BOARD LIAISON
Chris Evilia
Lexington Area MPO | Lexington, KY
Christopher Evilia is the Planning Manager and Director of the Lexington Area MPO, overseeing long-range transportation planning and regional project coordination for a two-county area. A transportation planner since 1995, he previously served as Director of the Waco MPO for 18 years and has also worked with the Tuscaloosa MPO. Chris has chaired AMPO’s Technical Committee, served as Executive Director of TEMPO, and represented Texas MPOs on the State Freight Advisory Committee. He holds a B.A. in Geography from the University of New Orleans and is a certified planner (AICP). He also proudly serves as AMPO’s reigning Trivia Challenge master.
STAFF CONTACT
Caitlin Cook, ccook@ampo.org
