Board supports annual joint certification; executive director flags federal budget shifts and upcoming special meeting
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Summary
The TPO board unanimously supported the annual joint certification with FDOT and heard executive director Johnny Wong emphasize accomplishments in interagency coordination, public engagement and the need for continued FDOT liaison communication; Wong also summarized proposed USDOT FY27 budget changes and scheduled a special TPO meeting on May 5.
The TPO board unanimously voted to support the annual joint certification of the metropolitan planning process and authorized Executive Director Johnny Wong to sign the joint certification statement. Wong highlighted seven notable achievements identified in the certification review, including stronger quarterly coordination with Plant City and Temple Terrace, successful public engagement (citing 12,000 survey responses to the Brightline Station Area Study), a federal grant to improve prioritization processes, and clearer separation of planning lists from the TIP to improve board clarity.
Wong also provided legislative and funding context: staff will take a deeper look at the USDOT FY27 proposed budget and its potential impacts on local projects. He summarized headline proposals in the USDOT submission, such as shifts in discretionary and formula funding and reductions in portions of transit and passenger rail programs. Board members praised the TPO‑FDOT relationship and supported continuing to bring the certification to the board even though some rules allow administrative signature.
Wong announced upcoming meetings: the TMA leadership meeting on April 17, the MPOAC meeting on April 30, and a special TPO meeting on Cinco de Mayo (May 5) where staff will present a draft apportionment plan for a regional MPO and seek a board statement or resolution of support. He also introduced a short FDOT 'Block the Box' safety video to reinforce traffic‑courtesy messaging.
Next steps: Staff will return with more detailed analysis of federal funding changes, and the special May 5 meeting will consider the draft apportionment plan and potential board actions.
