New Mexico

The rural transportation planning process in New Mexico faces some unique complexities, including having an international border and several Tribal governments in the state. However, this situation has only confirmed the need for a regional approach to rural transportation in New Mexico.

2005 marked the first year that all of the state’s seven regional development organizations (known locally as councils of government) provided the administrative and staff support for the state’s rural planning organizations (RPOs). The state generally provides around $65,000 each year for the regions to operate and carry out the RPOs’ work programs. The state has used the RPO process since the early 1990s to conduct outreach to local officials.

Typical of the state’s COGs, Northwest New Mexico COG staffs a regional technical committee composed of public works, planning and transportation professionals from each of the member governments, with ex officio staffing involvement by NMDOT and other state and federal agencies.

During its monthly meetings, the technical committee is involved in a variety of activities, including vetting and making recommendations on transit, scenic byway and other special projects for state funding. Staff provides technical assistance to members on project development and the committee helps prioritize projects and needs into a regional transportation improvement plan.

For more information, see:

New Mexico Northern Pueblos RPO (PDF)
Sandra Maes, North Central New Mexico EDD, Santa Fe, NM

Northern Pueblos Regional Planning Organization Work Program (PDF)



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