The AMPO Technical Committee brings together 30 MPO representatives from diverse regions and sizes to guide the technical resources and practices that support MPOs nationwide. Appointed by AMPO’s Board of Directors, members serve three-year terms (renewable up to three) and work closely with USDOT to identify training needs, evaluate emerging tools, and share innovations that strengthen the metropolitan planning process.
Meeting regularly throughout the year, the committee reviews conference proposals, advises on research initiatives, and provides timely feedback on regulations – ensuring MPOs have access to cutting-edge resources, relevant training, and peer collaboration. Open positions are filled annually through AMPO’s call for interest, maintaining a membership balanced by geography, size, and expertise.
CORE FUNCTIONS
The Technical 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.
Advancing Technical Practice
The Technical Committee supports MPOs by reviewing and refining emerging planning tools, design concepts, and new technologies. By providing structured feedback and professional guidance, the committee ensures MPOs can adapt effectively to changing industry needs.
Shaping National Events
Committee members review and rank proposals for the AMPO Annual Conference and Planning Tools & Training Symposium, ensuring that programming is relevant, forward-looking, and of high value to MPOs. They also test and refine scoring and agenda-creation processes to keep events impactful and engaging.
Supporting the AMPO Research Foundation
The Technical Committee serves as an advisory partner to the AMPO Research Foundation, providing essential feedback on its projects and resources. This includes reviewing draft materials for the MPO Institute to ensure training offerings are practical and responsive, as well as guiding the development of the State of the Practice Quarterly Reports to capture trends, highlight innovations, and share lessons learned across MPOs nationwide.
Building Strategic Connections
The Technical Committee strengthens AMPO’s network by serving as liaisons to AMPO’s Interest Groups and Intergovernmental Affairs Group while also collaborating with external partners such as ITS America, AASHTO, WTS, COMPTO, NARC, NADO, NACo, NLC, and others. Through this two-way coordination, members connect technical insights with broader policy discussions, expand access to training opportunities, and reduce duplication by sharing resources across organizations.
Rapid Regulatory Feedback
The Technical Committee provides timely, actionable input on draft rules, regulatory updates, and implementation questions through AMPO’s Rapid Responder structure. This ensures MPO perspectives are reflected in AMPO’s letters and comments, keeping federal requirements aligned with the realities MPOs face on the ground.
Leadership Team
Ms. Rea Donna Jones is the Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization Director. As the director, Ms. Jones leads efforts in establishing and coordinating regional transportation priorities for the Texarkana region. She is focused on promoting transportation planning partnerships in planning and developing transportation solutions that reflect both community and regional values. Rea Donna promotes improving public health through increasing opportunities for active and sustainable transportation. She is a highly accomplished and result-oriented regional director with over 30 years of planning experience.
Saleem has over 20 years of experience in the area of transportation planning. Currently the Deputy Director with KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission, his responsibilities include all activities related to the transportation planning process, including preparation of long and short range plans, traffic model development, air quality conformity analysis, technical studies, access management, geometric analysis, capacity analysis, statistical analysis, multi-modal transportation planning studies, project management, project impact studies and transit planning. Prior to that, he was Transportation Planner Engineer for the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG).
Committee Members
BOARD LIAISON
Bill Austin
Morgantown Monongalia MPO | Morgantown, WV
Bill Austin is Executive Director of the Morgantown Monongalia MPO and has over 30 years of experience with MPOs across Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and West Virginia. He has led planning efforts in both technical and public engagement roles and was a founding member of MPO associations in North Carolina and West Virginia, where he now serves his sixth term as Chair. Bill holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Political Science from Virginia Tech and has a background in consulting and regional transportation planning.
STAFF CONTACT
Caitlin Cook, ccook@ampo.org
