RPO Models: Oregon

Recognizing a need to better incorporate all of the stakeholders in transportation issues, the Oregon Transportation Commission established a process in the late 1990s to bring together state and local partners in transportation planning, programming and development.

Regional advisory committees, known as Area Commissions on Transportation (ACTs), were created for local officials and other key stakeholders to provide input on long range transportation issues, recommendations on priorities for capital investments and advice to the state on regional and local issues. Each ACT is expected to address the diverse aspects of transportation such as surface, marine, air and transportation safety with their focus on the state’s transportation improvement plan. The 11 commissions are staffed by a variety of models, including by the state Department of Transportation only, in partnership between the state and established regional development organizations (known locally as councils of governments and/or economic development districts) or by a coalition of several state, regional and local organizations.

Regardless of the staff model, the commissions are focused on soliciting participation and representation from city and county governments, tribal councils, port and transit authorities, as well as private industry. The ACTs play a key advisory role in the development of the state’s project investment and project prioritization programs, as well as the pursuit of a seamless and multimodal transportation system.

Because the Oregon Cascades West COG was already engaged in metropolitan transportation planning, incorporating the ACT under its umbrella made sense. The COGs host ACTs with representatives from all local governments who are interested in participating. Cascades West has also made a concerted effort to involve state legislators, representatives from neighboring regions, chairs of regional social service agencies and representatives of special interest groups such as housing, economic development and law enforcement agencies.

For more information, see:

Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments Work Program (PDF)

Oregon Department of Transportation Area Commissions on Transportation



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