Alyssa Garcia from the Mid Carolina Regional Council took the spotlight at the Sampson County Board of Commissioners meeting on October 6, 2025, emphasizing the critical role of the Rural Planning Organization (RPO) in enhancing transportation resources for local residents.

Garcia outlined the RPO's key functions, which include coordinating with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to develop long-range transportation plans, advocating for community needs, and facilitating public forums for transportation planning. With a focus on Harnett, Sampson, Cumberland, and Bladen counties, the RPO serves as a vital link between local governments and state transportation resources.

Highlighting the lengthy and complex nature of transportation project development, Garcia noted that significant projects can take 20 to 30 years to complete. She stressed the importance of community advocacy, especially in light of competitive federal and state funding processes. The RPO operates through two main committees: the Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC) and the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), both of which are open to public participation and play crucial roles in project approval and oversight.

Garcia's presentation underscored the RPO's commitment to revitalizing community engagement and ensuring that the voices of Sampson County residents are heard in transportation planning discussions. As the RPO continues to face challenges in participation, Garcia expressed optimism about rebuilding the program through outreach and collaboration, aiming to better serve the transportation needs of the region.