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Feasibility study shows mixed support for merging Lee and Collier MPOs; Lee County board raises concerns about representation and funding
Summary
A feasibility study presented to the Lee County MPO found elected officials see potential regional benefits from consolidation with Collier but also worry about representation, funding equity and loss of local voice; board members asked for more clarity on costs, staffing and how local priorities would be preserved.
The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization on March 20 reviewed findings from a consolidation feasibility study examining the potential merger of the Lee and Collier MPOs. The study, completed by the University of South Florida Center for Urban Transportation Research, reported 43 completed surveys from 67 elected officials (a 64% response rate) and identified both potential benefits and significant concerns.
Tia Boyd, a research associate at USF CUTR, summarized the study’s top perceived benefits as increased funding leverage and competitiveness, improved regional coordination and operational efficiencies. ‘‘There is a perception that a merger could strengthen competitiveness for grants and improve long‑term planning,’’ Boyd said, adding that the survey was intended to highlight themes rather than precise percentages.
Survey respondents most commonly cited concerns about voting balance and board composition, funding competition or inequity, and loss of local voice or autonomy. Several Lee County board members questioned whether consolidation would actually save money and whether Lee County’s project priorities would be diluted. One board member noted Lee County’s recent success pursuing federal grants — including a past TIGER grant — with a small MPO staff and warned that consolidation could increase overhead without clear net gains.
Board members discussed technical and governance issues: how staff and banked grant funds would be managed, whether a merged MPO would change how federal funds are distributed, and how representation and voting would be structured to protect local projects. Tia Boyd and MPO staff said the study does not obligate either MPO to consolidate; the work was intended to provide legislators and local officials a completed study should consolidation be reconsidered.
Several board members urged caution and suggested drafting formal local positions or resolutions if consolidation legislation reappears. Commissioner Pendergrass said she does not want Lee County to compete with smaller jurisdictions for attention and funding, while others suggested the study be used to clarify options and next steps rather than as an endorsement.
MPO staff said they will complete the final report (Task Five) incorporating feedback; staff asked elected officials to submit additional comments by March 27. No formal vote on consolidation took place.
