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Pasco MPO updates members on proposed Tampa Bay regional MPO merger; small-city representation discussed
Summary
Pasco MPO staff updated the board on merger talks with neighboring MPOs and the Suncoast League of Cities' proposal for a rotating municipal seat and a small-cities subcommittee. Board members emphasized rotation and protections for small-city representation; staff said governance and legislative recodification may be needed if MPOs merge.
Pasco MPO staff briefed the board on ongoing discussions about a proposed merger of regional metropolitan planning organizations. Tania Gorman said the Suncoast League of Cities recommended establishing one rotating municipal seat on the merged MPO board and forming a small-cities subcommittee to coordinate municipal positions and ensure unified communications.
Gorman told the board the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA) would discuss governance board structure and small-city representation at an upcoming meeting and that staff hope to move into phase 2 of merger discussions by May. She said the ultimate package may require a joint partnership agreement and possibly legislative action to recodify certain governance provisions if MPOs and their regional planning councils are dissolved and merged.
Board members urged protections for small-city voices. "I very strongly feel that that needs to be part of how the composition of the board is," a board member said, urging rotation for small-city seats so Pasco and Hillsborough voices can appear regularly. The board discussed options and potential rotation schedules (one or two years), and agreed the broader tri-county meeting to discuss governance would be important.
Staff encouraged board members to attend the TMA meeting and a proposed Tri-County Board of County Commissioners discussion; no formal action was taken at the MPO meeting — the item was informational only.
