A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is, by federal law, designated by the governor of each state for every urban area with at least 50,000 residents.

The MPO develops solutions to regional transportation problems and addresses other important issues such as land use, air quality, energy, economic development, commerce and quality of life.

The metropolitan planning process is a collaborative effort guided by federal transportation legislation known as the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This process is led by the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and other key stakeholders in the regional transportation system.

Encouraging and providing a forum for interested individuals, groups, organizations and businesses to discuss transportation issues and get involved in the planning process is an ongoing activity of the GBNRTC. Each MPO develops a long-range regional transportation plan to guide transportation decision-making and activities. The MPO also develops a short-range program of projects to be implemented with federal transportation funds. For each project, the MPO engages many stakeholders, including the general public, in the planning process.

By creating a vision for the region in the long-range plan and by identifying projects and investments that help achieve that vision, the MPO ensures that scarce federal transportation funds are wisely invested.