The MPO seeks ongoing public and agency input in various forms and receives recommendations from seven standing committees that provide insight on projects, plans and policies. Committee feedback and recommendations are instrumental in the development of the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which identifies transportation facilities needed over the next 20 years. Committees also review and provide comments on plans such as:
- Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
- Florida Department of Transportation's Five Year Work Program
- HART Transit Development Plan
- Airport Master Plan for Tampa International Airport
- Intermodal Transportation Plan of the Port of Tampa
Committee meetings are held in the Planning Commission Boardroom on the 18th floor in County Center, unless otherwise specified below or on the monthly calendar of events. Call the MPO 24 Hour Hotline, 813/224-8190, to hear the monthly schedule of meetings or visit our calendar to view the full meeting schedule.
Policy Committee
The MPO Policy Committee was created in 1992 as a subcommittee of the full MPO Board. Its membership is made up of MPO Board Members. Originally called the "ISTEA Subcommittee," its purpose was to provide the Board an opportunity to learn about and discuss the Federal Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). Since 1992, the committee has changed its name to the MPO Policy Committee to better reflect its widened scope of discussion on various issues. The Policy Committee acts as a sounding board for issues that will be brought to the MPO Board for action. In a less formal setting, members can ask questions and more fully discuss upcoming MPO action items. The Committee also provides guidance to the MPO staff on policy matters.
The MPO Policy Committee meets monthly, usually on the third Tuesday of the month at 9:00 a.m.
Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)
The CAC consists of fourteen citizen volunteers. Thirteen are appointments of the thirteen voting MPO Board members, and one citizen represents the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board. Many of the members are active in homeowners, business, or other civic associations. Any citizen interested in being considered for future appointments to the committee should contact the MPO for an application.
The CAC meets monthly, typically on the second Wednesday of the month at 1:15 p.m.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
The TAC consists of transportation professionals working for governments and government agencies who review plans, projects and programs from a technical perspective. Members include planners and engineers from city, county and regional transportation agencies, including the Cities of Tampa, Plant City, & Temple Terrace, Hillsborough County, Florida Department of Transportation, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Bay Area Commuter Services, Expressway Authority, Port Authority, Aviation Authority, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Commission, and the Planning Commission.
The TAC meets monthly, typically on the 3rd Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
The BPAC's mission is to make Hillsborough County a safer and more pleasurable place to bicycle and walk. The committee makes recommendations to the MPO on bicycle and pedestrian-related issues. The BPAC was originally established in 1977 by the Board of County Commissioners as the Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC). This group became an advisory committee to the MPO in March 1998. Later that same year, the committee's focus was expanded to address the needs and concerns of pedestrians, as well as cyclists.
Twenty volunteers comprise the BPAC. Twelve of the seats are held by at-large members (citizens) who are appointed by the MPO. The remaining eight seats are held by representatives of local agencies, cities and county. There are three subcommittees of the BPAC, which work together to carry out the BPAC’s mission. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in any of these groups:
Safety Improvement/Education & Enforcement
On/Off Road
Public Awareness
BPAC normally meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board (TDCB)
"Transportation disadvantaged" is defined as those persons who are unable to transport themselves or are unable to purchase transportation due to physical or mental disability, income status, age, or are children who are at high risk. In 1990, the MPO established the TDCB to have oversight and planning responsibilities for the local share-a-van system. The TDCB, through the MPO, also designates a Community Transportation Coordinator (CTC) to manage the system. The CTC is responsible for securing grants, carriers and arranging trips for the transportation disadvantaged clients. The TDCB develops a Transportation Disadvantaged Services Plan (TDSP) for coordinated services throughout Hillsborough County. An annual evaluation of the CTC by the TDCB helps ensure that the most cost-effective, reliable and accountable transportation services possible are being provided.
Chaired by an elected official, the TDCB is comprised of 18 members, including at least 10 social service agency or government representatives, 4 citizen representatives and 1 representative from the private transportation industry. A sample of agencies includes Public Schools, Elder Affairs, Children and Families and Labor and Employment Security, among others. Other members include veterans, disabled persons, economically disadvantaged, elderly citizens, and users of the transportation disadvantaged program.
The TDCB typically meets the 4th Tuesday every other month at 1:15 p.m. at The County Center 18th Floor.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Created in 2003, the ITS committee is responsible for assisting in the development of Intelligent Transportation System planning work programs, as well as reviewing ITS related studies, reports, plans and projects. The goal is to promote the use of technology and communication with the motoring public to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion and delay. Committee members represent the Cities of Tampa, Plant City, & Temple Terrace, Hillsborough County, Florida Department of Transportation, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority, Port Authority, Aviation Authority, and the Environmental Protection Commission. The ITS committee not only makes recommendations to the MPO and other agencies, but it advises the MPO on the allocation of State and Federal funds for ITS projects.
The ITS Committee meets every other month at 1:30 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of designated months.
Livable Roadways
The Livable Roadways Committee is an interdisciplinary group of volunteers from the public and private sectors who represent local governments, government agencies, companies, citizen groups and professional organizations. The committee strives to create a transportation system that balances design and aesthetics with issues of roadway safety and function. It reviews transportation and roadway plans and policies, making recommendations for improvement. The committee discusses topics related to transit, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and roadway design, safety and function. Focused on streetscape beautification, site and building design, landscape, environmental protection, preservation and signage, the committee is committed to considering all modes of transportation in the recommendations it makes.
The Livable Roadways Committee originally was formed under the name Community Appearance Committee in 1989. The comprehensive plans for Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa had already included policies for establishing and protecting a system of scenic corridors throughout the county. The MPO added a goal to include landscaping in roadway projects and formed the committee to provide guidance to the public and private sectors to protect scenic roadways and improve the appearance and function of existing and future roadways.
The Livable Roadways Committee meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m.
