The DRCOG Transportation Advisory Committee on July 28 recommended that the Regional Transportation Committee approve the 2026–27 Unified Planning Work Program, the federally required two‑year document that sets the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s work tasks and priorities.

The UPWP presentation was delivered by Todd Cottrell, DRCOG project and program delivery manager. Cottrell said the UPWP "is the MPO's work program" and described it as the compliance, transparency and coordination document for how federal planning funds are used across the region. He told the committee DRCOG reviews federal, state and local direction, prior certification recommendations, and funding availability while drafting the program.

The committee heard that DRCOG expects somewhat lower planning funding over the next two years and plans to rely more on in‑house staff rather than consultants. Cottrell said the organization carried a previous carryover balance that once exceeded $10,000,000, is now "about half of that," and that by 2028 that balance "should be very close to 0." He said the agency has ramped up staff over recent years but is not projecting staff reductions despite a lower funding outlook.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about specific plan elements and reserves. Angie Rivera Molpiedi asked why Transportation Demand Management (TDM) was not explicitly listed in the air quality and resilience section; Cottrell acknowledged the omission and said it "should have been included." David Kreutzinger asked about reserve and carryover history; Cottrell summarized the carryover trend and the plan to draw balances down over the next few years.

Kent Mormon moved to recommend the 2026–27 UPWP to the Regional Transportation Committee; Chris Jovan seconded. The committee approved the recommendation by voice vote (ayes; no recorded oppositions or abstentions).

The committee will forward the recommendation to the Regional Transportation Committee as part of DRCOG’s normal adoption process. The UPWP frames planned work on air quality and resilience, housing and land use, safety, transit, and funding topics for the next two years.

Details from the presentation and the committee’s questions will be available in the meeting packet and supporting slides distributed by DRCOG staff.