Pasco MPO advances regional merger discussions after peer exchanges with MetroPlan Orlando and other MPOs
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Summary
Staff told the board the MPO has held peer exchanges and workshops (including MetroPlan Orlando) and is planning Tri-County meetings to resolve representation and transit-vs-road priority questions as it advances a proposed Tampa Bay regional MPO merger.
Pasco MPO staff updated the board on 90 days of work toward a proposed Tampa Bay regional MPO merger, reporting peer exchanges with MetroPlan Orlando, a principals’ workshop and outreach to merged MPOs in Virginia and Texas. Staff said the exchanges produced practical guidance on board structure, LRTP integration and project prioritization used by merged MPOs.
Board members acknowledged representational tensions between Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa — concerns that Hillsborough might emphasize roads while City interests push for transit — and urged convening a workshop that could include the lieutenant governor or governor's office to help bring parties together. Staff recommended a Tri-County BOCC meeting and additional workshops to secure buy-in from big cities and small municipalities alike.
Staff cited the MetroPlan Orlando peer exchange on Oct. 27 and a principal workshop on Nov. 14 where elected and technical officials shared lessons learned, including MetroPlan Orlando director Gary Huttman and elected representatives from merged MPOs. The board discussed matters of seat balance, small-city representation and the possibility of combining regional LRTPs and project lists as part of a merger sequence.
Why it matters: A merged regional MPO would shift how federal and state transportation dollars are prioritized across the Tampa Bay region, potentially unlocking larger grants for regional projects — but it also raises governance questions about seat balance and local representation.
What’s next: Staff will continue TMA and Tri-County coordination, seek workshops with Hillsborough and Tampa elected officials, and consider invitations to higher-level state officials to facilitate talks. The board signaled general support to proceed with planning and outreach.