[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6209347,"mediaKeyId","3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f","parentId",3735657,"title","TMA leadership OKs top-ranked consultant to study merger of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough MPOs","audioSeconds",166,"startMs",3159000,"endMs",3325000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f&start=3159&end=3325","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f/thumbnail_3159000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6209347/Pinellas-County/Florida/TMA-leadership-OKs-top-ranked-consultant-to-study-merger-of-Pinellas-Pasco-and-Hillsborough-MPOs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209347-9b681c1469f923a2615426416b38cd64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771015701&Signature=gIfB-tVmz6tVjGz8lIbh11CVZtlvIU8Y9KwjY28RUOKOGOZu6yLsWWllWsJXis65TqNZ0HIXjRBdKq6IFiUcPOHlePmVHpnA36mBTr-uYVHSokdVqa2-rgR8qKKIJ1n094xhtw9103O8gHr33V7bwFVhTVnu-TZKXohekADXp220irbqP57vb7wDSQBUfuABeyIjTyPOdq0FA3kHKgQVeQ4ihVCXt08MmBlSw-WOMisxy~rOltlky-Dum~3x18ca75CxykMCcQRHu4MqhfBIpbxf4G9hG75t3f3h-6E06OIqod7OwJPXUoDEPegMWX8E-RRTjnTtHe~zSI3x-C04Lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pinellas County, FL ","date","2025-06-10T11:24:56.323Z","article","Representatives from the region’s MPOs told Forward Pinellas on June 9 that the Transportation Management Area Leadership Group recommended contracting with the top-ranked consultant to assist in discussions and public engagement related to a potential merger of the Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough metropolitan planning organizations.

The recommendation matters because an MPO merger could change governance, funding formulas and planning responsibilities across the Tampa Bay region, prompting broad public and municipal interest in the coming year.

The TMA leadership group recommended the White House group as the top-ranked consultant and noted Hillsborough’s Transportation Planning Organization will act as the procuring agency; funding for the contract will come from federal sources administered through FDOT. The group also authorized use of a ranked-firm list so a fallback vendor is available if negotiations with the top-ranked firm are unsuccessful. Board members said they expect a contract to be in place by July or August and that consultant-led outreach and scenario work would start quickly thereafter.

Forward Pinellas staff described planned supportive activities: offers to host a field trip for local elected officials to the Orlando MPO region to learn how a multi-county MPO handles small-city representation; and a Federal Highway Administration-supported peer exchange with MPOs that have undergone mergers, expected in early 2026. Executive Director Whit Blanton said staff will brief elected officials and legislative delegation members over the summer and host town halls in each county as the consultant work proceeds.

Next steps: Hillsborough’s TPO is expected to vote on the procurement recommendation; the consultant, if under contract, will begin public engagement and scenario analysis; Forward Pinellas staff will coordinate field trips and a peer exchange and keep the board updated.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Forward Pinellas Board Meeting 6-9-25","oneSentenceSummary","A Transportation Management Area leadership group recommended the top-ranked consultant (the White House group) to support public engagement and feasibility work for a potential merger of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough MPOs; procuring agency and funding details were discussed and a peer exchange was planned for early 2026.","taxTitle","Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",2867,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209352,"Forward Pinellas approves housing regulatory toolkit to help cities expand affordable housing options",1123,4356000,5479000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f&start=4356&end=5479","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f/thumbnail_4356000.jpg","/articles/6209352/Pinellas-County/Florida/Forward-Pinellas-approves-housing-regulatory-toolkit-to-help-cities-expand-affordable-housing-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209352-9394fcff219090d3a31b362490f1823f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771015701&Signature=QiFALZH2ZFdEvLMf1qjFCCt0hsLanzeTlMIoU69oLgQM4EjiPuPrYu7gaEExjUUuWUrzn63R4iDm1PTAvWKxuK8Q5yAVhjiQSxIXHZqqYHp17FZGY2ApDsjdNNcu1xTmw8Lgeu4bs4vQIRfosrpw8eab4zacUTUWb~J-EukfwrD7U2atstbDzBbjoCuWENvTLDC4mdxKPQLZAUdBGEq89MvmtO1uwR4KBKdVnRjJro7m6LJmUf7xtPCpaO7mLc83xGtO67BPRZCxZ2BhxSxszAmwqqo5s3dVNLkdfEc2IYsy2HcbxCP9otWSCO4p-x2xlT7x6FJ545Btr0~PyOwQTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forward Pinellas approved a housing regulatory toolkit at its June 9 meeting, a set of model policies and code language designed to help Pinellas County’s 25 local governments encourage more affordable and workforce housing.

The toolkit gives cities a menu of regulatory and financial incentives, model definitions and suggested code structures so jurisdictions can customize measures such as density bonuses, parking reductions and fee relief. The board also directed staff to begin outreach to local governments and to forward specific county-rule amendments needed to enable certain bonus provisions.

“About 3 years ago, we signed what is known as the Advantage Pinellas Housing Compact,” Linda Fisher said in presenting the toolkit. Fisher described the toolkit as the Housing Action Plan’s implementation tool, noting the compact and action plan set goals and actions to coordinate housing-affordability efforts across the county. Fisher summarized the research and vetting behind the toolkit: reviews of comprehensive plans and codes in all 25 local governments, developer interviews, technical workshops and input from a tactical team of local-government staff. She said the toolkit provides baseline and advanced code templates so municipalities can select the level of review and incentives appropriate to their size and staffing.

Fisher cited county-level housing context the toolkit addresses: consultants found demand for more than 3,300 new housing units annually in Pinellas County, about half of which need to be affordable or workforce housing; county production was about 2,700 units per year with most at higher market rates. The toolkit includes provisions aimed at preserving affordability, facilitating missing-middle housing, accessory dwelling units, senior housing and transit-oriented development.

Board members raised coastal concerns. Council member Brandy Gabbard asked about using incentives in coastal high-hazard areas and said Pinellas communities need a coordinated approach (including a potential shelter-mitigation fee at the county level) to make density incentives viable while managing hazard risk. Staff said the toolkit recommends excluding coastal high-hazard areas from some incentives by default and that additional county-level conversations will be necessary.

Forward Pinellas staff said next steps include outreach to city councils and commissions to present the toolkit, offering local-technical-assistance to implement code changes, and returning next month with county-rule amendments required to enable certain housing bonuses. The Planning Advisory Committee had recommended approval earlier in May.","Forward Pinellas approved a housing regulatory toolkit that provides model code language, incentive menus and implementation guidance to help local governments encourage affordable housing; staff will begin outreach and recommend county-rule amendments next month.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209357,"Forward Pinellas outlines FY 2026 UPC budget draft; board questions $1.9 million reserve for regional MPO startup",805,3527000,4332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f&start=3527&end=4332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f/thumbnail_3527000.jpg","/articles/6209357/Pinellas-County/Florida/Forward-Pinellas-outlines-FY-2026-UPC-budget-draft-board-questions-19-million-reserve-for-regional-MPO-startup","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209357-e5f00ba2a4d5fe5e67f4a6c62017567f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771015701&Signature=B84bm6F7fCsXfvdWib-p7di2xoJnShdWU4Vz89pqRmNs9Hworu85~ppaHxuMue7leu~VCUcAJtl5qxhvIrdwY2LIrVhUPaiElurF8dBmpAph1k7lOD0wNbh2K5uZBfsfD7JeM3pJVX52ZI6ySt-oqL7itZXoOLkiC7~M3pELSiHIz8AwAVNUOdXeen5r82OjzLcg~vfBxSrmz~Oc4hqNQONtjO2Y0GqhZYpOaWtG6-W9~c-k75lDHfbkbNiaTW6nF1FZAJf7IYoKzhAbkvgaxZekDuBAh~RhLbQfRHNkNOqTwlHIAaBIaD7LH6aq9WlTcYTjjghAed3tCkxm4UeMCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forward Pinellas staff presented a draft FY 2026 Unified Planning Council budget at the June 9 meeting that proposes lowering the millage rate, restructuring reserve accounts, and setting aside approximately $1.9 million as a reserve for potential start-up costs tied to a possible regional MPO reorganization.

The presentation matters because the planning council’s millage and reserves fund planning services to Pinellas County cities and coordinate transportation and land-use studies. The reserve decisions could affect future operating flexibility and whether the agency is prepared for potential governance changes from an MPO consolidation process.

Rodney Chapman, Division Manager, briefed the board on the multi-phase budget process and noted several variables not yet finalized, including unified personnel system salary adjustments. Chapman said staff propose reducing the millage rate from 0.020 to 0.0175 and separating the reserve line into three statutorily consistent accounts: a contingency reserve (~$700,000), a fund-balance reserve (~$800,000), and a reserve for future years (~$1,900,000). He explained the $1.9 million figure represented the Pinellas share of potential start-up costs for a new independent regional MPO and was a placeholder based on prior feasibility estimates.

Chapman summarized planned technical-assistance items and carryovers into FY 2026: completing the multimodal impact-fee ordinance update (carryover ~$184,000), $50,000 for code amendments to support housing affordability, $150,000 to work with communities to attract higher-wage employers, and $50,000 as local match for a safety grant.

Board members raised concerns. Commissioner Scherer asked about the size of the reserve; Commissioner Share (transcript: Commissioner Scott?) described the roughly $1 million increase in reserves as “heavy” and requested consideration of lowering it because it may fund merger costs that are not certain. Council member Richie Floyd said he was wary of optimistic revenue assumptions and urged stress testing given recent declines in taxing-base returns. Chapman and Executive Director Whit Blanton responded that the $1.9 million is a placeholder tied to prior estimates from a 2023 feasibility report and that the consultant process and governing decisions over the coming year should clarify whether the funds will be needed; staff also agreed to provide scenarios showing the millage impact if the reserve were reduced.

Next steps: staff will present a detailed budget spreadsheet at the July meeting and present the Forward Pinellas recommendation to the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, which will act on the rate at public hearings in September. Staff will also provide scenario analysis on the millage rate impact if the $1.9 million reserve is removed or phased in.","Staff presented a FY 2026 draft budget that reduces the millage rate and proposes reserves including a $1.9 million line item earmarked as the Pinellas share of potential regional MPO start-up costs; board members asked staff to consider lowering the reserve and to provide alternative scenarios.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209362,"PSTA secures federal grant to buy cross-bay ferry boats, issues RFP this summer",53,2989000,3042000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f&start=2989&end=3042","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f/thumbnail_2989000.jpg","/articles/6209362/Pinellas-County/Florida/PSTA-secures-federal-grant-to-buy-cross-bay-ferry-boats-issues-RFP-this-summer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209362-c32390b65a6352c9b79a7700249561e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771015701&Signature=Pp4XZI1rb2B0Zgqw3BzIetLsaYx8YCT8q2ASYQBI2kGIhIb0Dp56YRomP5Jjisba55gdhrlm~6eSXB3GBd3lOrYhljN-aowupdHxZEYHZGc0DbYcIFaOtlzjA6pSvPGPQPbIpcsrGjhyJ3iMFdgUqP7f3FGK2Lj~eNlTmGVlkdbxGUin6ouWdgv8yfa0hjWLhAQrp-JxwL6s3MeP8iRiKY0~8YT1WjLW4iwsoKenhTy3e1GjUIdBoNnxMYGTBEioz5oMO2~KO07RrmcLejA9kyN8-eoMmFOJGCkrgxPZ0dPsl3DWaPendohF9MFT3Wq8-6UCiQz-OVs7m5MSmbOOkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority told the Forward Pinellas board on June 9 that PSTA has accepted a $4,860,000 federal grant intended to support ownership of cross-bay ferry vessels and is preparing a request for proposals this summer for ferry operations and procurement.

The grant and upcoming RFP matter for regional transit because PSTA hopes owning one or two vessels will reduce dependence on private leases and improve the financial viability of a regular passenger ferry service between St. Petersburg and Tampa.

“PSTA voted unanimously to accept a federal grant to purchase 1 or 2 ferry boats from the cross Bay ferries for a cross Bay ferry service between Saint Petersburg and Tampa,” Mayor Katie Gannon reported during the board’s PSTA activities update. She said PSTA intends to use the $4,860,000 award to purchase up to two vessels and that whether PSTA can afford two boats will be determined during the RFP process planned for the summer. The PSTA board also approved extending the cost-sharing agreement to five years so the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg would share program costs for a longer term than originally contemplated.

Gannon also reported a spike in ridership across PSTA services in April, noting overall ridership rose 4% month-over-month and some seasonal lines were above pre-pandemic levels. She said Clearwater ferry ridership rose sharply during spring break.

PSTA has issued a bid invitation for a new Clearwater station in downtown Clearwater; bids are due July 11, 2025, and the transit agency said it expects the modern facility to open in early 2027 if procurement schedules are met.

Next steps include PSTA issuing the RFP for ferry operations and vessel procurement, evaluating bids this summer, and determining whether to purchase one or two vessels based on financial feasibility. Board members had no public comment recorded during Forward Pinellas’ meeting on the PSTA report.","PSTA accepted a $4.86 million federal grant to acquire cross-bay ferry vessels and plans an RFP this summer; the agency also extended a cost-sharing agreement to five years while evaluating long-term financial feasibility.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6209367,"Forward Pinellas adopts TIP and annual priority lists, including 3 transportation-alternatives additions",796,1590000,2386000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f&start=1590&end=2386","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3735657-da22d91c1029286fffc07c54b064bc1f/thumbnail_1590000.jpg","/articles/6209367/Pinellas-County/Florida/Forward-Pinellas-adopts-TIP-and-annual-priority-lists-including-3-transportation-alternatives-additions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209367-96083df88dd2ce8e9c203e3b5d609813/orig.mp4?Expires=1771015701&Signature=fn36FmthfnP-4Dq4LLh9YjAKYLHnloTwVfoT2NL1Rtg9dvb-hVlWU8p~SXvLf87wLS75pJc~tiB~7N7Ceu-97dJNmYX7EOeqDliSkvFU8LnH66cuT~zBu0TRoOiRliEeEdpRVSUY2wodAyNT4uyeYcoRqhMfjimuoPlFgX-4h7MhRk4kbizSNPBM88~h55cIQ9dzWMHCuhU-5vWVGLRwNM6BS9LQiXLyQr6X3tfvOT8-XQIWK1T9-BEpoBlsD8H2KTme5JJ-2tKTlHF4PL4IMagdEmOH3j0bRz63snKuLm51z7KZs6LJhZmuZCixJS-PWRMFl5ENR9zyKj2NrZXzTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forward Pinellas adopted the county’s Transportation Improvement Program and its annual multimodal and transportation-alternatives priority lists at its June 9 meeting, voting unanimously to transmit the documents to state and federal partners for funding and inclusion in the next work programs.

The action matters because the TIP is the short-term programming document that directs how federal and state transportation dollars will be spent in Pinellas County over the coming years. The priority lists guide Florida Department of Transportation and federal funding decisions and set the order in which local projects are considered for available dollars.

Chelsea Favreau, a Forward Pinellas staff member, presented the TIP and told the board: “This is one of the foundational documents for Forward Pinellas as a metropolitan planning organization. The transportation improvement program, or the TIP, is a short term planning document that outlines how federal and state dollars are gonna be spent on transportation projects in Pinellas County.” Favreau said the TIP covers project phases from planning through construction and that, after today’s adoption, projects will be transmitted to FDOT and Federal Highway for incorporation into the coming fiscal year’s budgets.

Staff highlighted the work-program changes from last year: 21 new projects were added, 15 projects were removed (completed or otherwise taken out), 30 projects remained unchanged and 22 projects had changes. Favreau summarized notable bicycle and pedestrian projects included in the TIP such as Pinellas Trail Loop Phase 3 (Ulmerton Road to Haines Bayshore) with construction funded in 2026; the Joe’s Creek Trail (preliminary engineering underway, construction planned for 2025); and a section of the Pinellas Trail Loop (construction funded in 2024). Road projects mentioned included intersection and corridor work on Alt US 19 at Curlew Road (design-build funded in 2025), Forest Lakes Boulevard (construction funded in 2027), and various corridor and intersection operational improvements with funding in outer years.

Board members asked staff to clarify specifics and timing on several projects. Council member Brandy Gabbard asked whether a resurfacing project on Gandy Boulevard would revive earlier discussions about a flyover at a redeveloping site; Favreau said concepts for flyovers exist and the flyover projects remain part of the long-range plan but are currently timed in outer years and delayed to avoid concurrent work on I-275. Gabbard also asked about coordination on a bridge replacement and adjacent trail work; Favreau said Forward Pinellas and the county and city staffs are coordinating so on- and off-bridge trail facilities will match when construction occurs.

The board separately approved the multimodal priority list and a Transportation Alternatives priority list (a small federal grant program for bike/ped projects). New priorities added included a Sixtieth Street sidepath project and several Saint Petersburg pedestrian projects, and staff noted that all Forward Pinellas advisory committees had given unanimous support for the lists.

The board’s action was a formal roll-call adoption and staff will transmit the adopted TIP and priority lists to FDOT and federal partners for review and incorporation into upcoming work programs. Forward Pinellas staff said an interactive map of the TIP will be posted on the agency’s website once final files are processed.

Board members and staff signaled follow-up items: staff will provide more precise schedule information for large projects on request and maintain interagency coordination for projects that touch multiple jurisdictions.","Forward Pinellas unanimously approved the county’s Transportation Improvement Program, its annual multimodal priority list and the Transportation Alternatives priorities; staff highlighted 21 new TIP projects and several bike-and-pedestrian investments, and board members asked for follow-up on timing and interagency coordination.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TMA leadership OKs top-ranked consultant to study merger of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough MPOs

Forward Pinellas approves housing regulatory toolkit to help cities expand affordable housing options

Forward Pinellas outlines FY 2026 UPC budget draft; board questions $1.9 million reserve for regional MPO startup

PSTA secures federal grant to buy cross-bay ferry boats, issues RFP this summer

Forward Pinellas adopts TIP and annual priority lists, including 3 transportation-alternatives additions