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Pasco MPO elects Mayor Scott Black chair, names John Eric Hoover vice chair for 2026
Summary
At its January 2026 meeting the Pasco County MPO elected Mayor Scott Black as chair and Mayor John Eric Hoover as vice chair by voice vote and approved TMA subcommittee seat adjustments; board members emphasized regional transportation priorities.
The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization elected Mayor Scott Black as chair and Mayor John Eric Hoover as vice chair for calendar year 2026 during its January meeting, the board announced. The nominations were made from the floor, seconded and approved by a voice vote.
The leadership change follows the MPO bylaws requiring an annual election of a chair and vice chair. Board members thanked outgoing leaders for consecutive terms and noted the importance of Pasco’s participation as regional transportation decisions move forward.
Board members also approved adjustments to Transportation Management Area (TMA) and SCTPA subcommittee representation. Staff advised that the TMA subcommittee would continue with Commissioner Mariano, Commissioner Starkey and Commissioner Waitman as primary members and Councilman Murphy as alternate, and recommended Mayor Black assume the primary SCTPA seat previously held by Councilman Murphy; the board approved that change by voice vote.
Why it matters: MPO leadership and subcommittee assignments shape which elected officials sit at regional tables that decide project priorities and funding. Board members said they expect active participation in ongoing regional merger discussions and project prioritization to attract more federal and state dollars for Pasco County.
What was said: The chair thanked members for the honor of serving and said transportation issues in Pasco County are “so important to each one of us to our communities.” Several members urged steady involvement in regional work and pledged to support the merger process and forthcoming Tri-County meetings.
What’s next: The MPO will continue to staff TMA and SCTPA representation under the approved arrangement and carry leadership into upcoming merger and project-planning work.
