Bend MPO outlines FY26–27 work program priorities: TSAP update, travel model migration and household survey data

Bend MPO staff presented a high‑level review of the draft fiscal year 2026–27 work program and solicited TAC feedback on priorities.

Key priorities identified include a Transportation Safety Action Plan (TSAP) update (staff said a scope of work is drafted and an RFP is in procurement), migration of the travel model to an activity‑based model intended to better represent bike, pedestrian and transit trips, and use of household travel survey data that staff said will be available at the end of the month. Staff described the MTIP (Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program) as an active four‑year program that requires continual maintenance as project phasing and funding change.

Staff provided a task breakdown for the work program: administrative/project management tasks (TAC and policy board administration, Title VI / environmental justice work, public engagement); short‑range planning (MTIP maintenance, funding obligations reports, STBG/State Highway Fund management); long‑range planning (MTP maintenance and the TSAP update); and modeling/data collection (migration to activity‑based modeling, crash and equity data integration). The household travel survey was described as smartphone app–based for this round, improving accuracy compared with the 2011 paper/booklet approach.

Staff said the MPO expects to present a draft work program to state and federal partners, provide the document to the TAC for review on Jan. 20, and bring materials to the policy board and budget committee with public review and an April public hearing and adoption target for the policy board.

Committee members were asked to supply comments and suggestions to staff on priority items and specific tasks for the coming fiscal years.