Unified Planning
Work Program (UPWP)

A metropolitan planning organization (MPO) is a federally mandated and funded policy-making organization that oversees transportation planning for an urbanized area. The requirements for MPO’s are contained in 23 U.S.C. 134, 49 U.S.C. 5303, 23 CFR 450.308, and 23 CFR 450.314. One of the key requirements is that the MPO conduct a metropolitan transportation planning process that is continuous, cooperative, and comprehensive. As part of this process, the MPO must adopt a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) that provides for consideration and implementation of projects, strategies and services that will address the following eight factors:

01

Support the economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity and efficiency;

02

Increase the safety of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;

03

Increase the security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users;

04

Increase the accessibility and mobility of people and freight;

05

Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, improve the quality of life, and promote consistency between transportation improvements and state and local planned growth and economic development patterns;

06

Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight;

07

Promote efficient system management and operation;

08

Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system