RPO Models: Colorado

Since 1991, Colorado state law has required a cooperative planning process for all parts of the state. The state DOT created 15 transportation planning regions to help develop regional transportation plans for inclusion in the statewide plan. They focus heavily on involving the public, local leaders and other civic interests in the planning process and crafting of a long-range vision for each region and the state.

Of the 15 regions, five are urban and served by metropolitan planning organizations. The remaining ten regions are rural and are typically assisted by a regional development organization (referred to as regional planning commissions or RPCs in Colorado). In establishing the rural planning process, each regional commission was given the opportunity to use a consultant or in-house planning staff to implement the required work program.

According to Irene Merrifield of the Colorado Department of Transportation, "The state’s rural transportation planning process is very much a grassroots effort. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has equal input in the planning process."

In addition, a representative of each region serves on a statewide transportation advisory committee. The committee meets monthly and is attended by the RPCs, MPOs, state officials and federal highway representatives. Its purpose is to bring together local officials and other key transportation stakeholders to discuss transportation issues and identify priorities for each region.

For more information, see:

Department of Transportation Scope of Work for Rural Transportation Planning