About Us
What is the North Florida TPO?

Federal Statute's requires every urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more, including all contiguous urban areas with a population of 1,000 or more per square mile, to have a Metropolitan Planning Organization. By State Statute, TPO's are responsible for transportation related air, noise and water quality planning and the development of the:

Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) detailing the TPO's annual budget and planning activities;

Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) listing the funding and staging of improvements for roadways, transit, air and seaports, bicyclists, pedestrians and the transportation disadvantaged over a five-year period; and

Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) with a 20+ year time horizon based on current needs and forecasted future growth which lists the multi-modal transportation projects that are needed and can be funded in that timeframe.

In addition to developing these plans and programs, the North Florida TPO identifies issues, convenes stakeholders, conducts studies and develops policies in light of local, national and global trends. Recent initiatives include coordinating regional legislative priorities, integrating land use and transportation planning and preparing for increased global trade. We also address current needs and challenges that impact our daily lives through programs for commuters, the transportation disadvantaged, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Our History

The First Coast Metropolitan Planning Organization was officially designated in 1978 by Florida Governor Reuben Askew. An Inter-Local Agreement between the City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), the Jacksonville Planning and Development Department, Clay County, St. Johns County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) first established the North Florida TPO.

In 2003 the North Florida TPO voted to become an independent regional agency, making it the third in Florida. This was a major decision that the Board made concurrent with expanding the North Florida TPO boundary to incorporate the newly designated St. Augustine Urbanized Area and portions of Clay County as a result of the 2000 Census. In 2004 the TPO boundary was expanded to include portions of Nassau County. Subsequently, the Board has added ex-officio members representing Baker, Putnam and Flagler Counties, as well as the U. S. Navy.