Staffing and Administrative Capacity of Metropolitan Planning Organizations

MPOs were formed and structured to accomplish the prevailing planning tasks of the late 20th century. Recent federal legislation and regulations coupled with technology improvements have increased the complexity of MPO activities, requiring increased planning capacity and resources. Identifying effective strategies for maximizing planning capacity and organizational efficiency has become a challenge for MPOs across the country. This research report documents how MPOs have structured their organizations and allocated staff resources. MPO organizational structure includes administrative information like governance, host agency relationships, budgeting, and work planning. The report also addresses staffing arrangements, technical skills, use of consultant labor, and employee retention. Effective and unique practices are documented through case studies interspersed in the report. The intent of this research is to help MPO leaders evaluate their staffing and organizational structures in light of their current and anticipated responsibilities, budget and policy environment. The information contained in the report was gained through a national survey of MPOs, plus follow‐up case study research. The survey gained a 35.5 percent response rate, with 133 MPOs participating. Ten participating MPOs were selected for follow‐up case study research, which are interspersed throughout the research report.