RPO Models: California

The state of California uses a network of regional transportation planning agencies (RTPAs) that are similar in structure and responsibility to metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). The 44 RTPAs (of which 18 are also MPOs) are typically staffed and housed within a council of government, cover a single county and are charged with preparing regional transportation plans and improvement programs.

Like MPOs, the RTPAs have significant involvement and control of local elected and appointed officials in both the planning and project investment processes. The state provides between $77,000 and $220,000 each year in federal and state planning funds to the RTPAs based on a funding formula and the overall work program of each RTPA.

Each RTPA is tasked with implementing an annual work program, developing a regional transportation plan and selecting projects for implementation. The plans are focused on developing a coordinated and balanced regional multimodal transportation system, including a significant emphasis on incorporating public transportation services into the process.

For more information, see:

RTPA Work Program Guidance (PDF)

CA Office of Regional Planning Coordination

Mendocino Council of Governments 2005 Regional Transportation Plan

Mendocino COG Plan Highlights

Map of CA MPOs and RTPAs (PDF)

Contact information for CA MPOs and RTPAs (PDF)



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