RPO Models: Texas

In Texas, several regional development organizations (known locally as councils of government) have voluntarily formed and operate Rural Planning Organizations to help address the rural transportation needs of their multi-county regions. The RPOs in Texas are not currently operating under any set guidelines, and they do not receive any planning funds from the state. Instead, they are self-financed and governed by local officials. However, the RPOs provide a valuable forum for enhanced communication between state transportation officials and rural local government officials.

The Capital Area Rural Transportation Planning Organization (CARTPO), operated by the Capital Area COG, focuses on bridging the communications and planning gap with the urban and rural counties within its region. The membership of the RPO consists of representatives from both urban and rural counties. CARTPO is not intended to duplicate the work of the MPO serving the three urban counties within its region, instead recognizing the interconnectivity between urban and rural areas.

The Capital Area RPO operates three separate committees. The Planning and Project Development Committee focuses on long-range planning, regional cooperation, project development and organizational structure. This committee has been helpful to the state in reaching consensus on the transportation investment priorities of local officials from the rural portion of the region.

The Legislation and Policy Initiative Committee works to build regional support for legislation and policies that will increase mobility, traffic safety and funding for transportation improvements. The RPO also has an Alternative Transportation Committee that is responsible for supporting the development of and planning for transportation modes that serve as alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles.

For more information, see:

Capital Area Regional Transportation Planning Organization Web site