Based on the results of the 2000 Census, the number and size of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) that cross-state boundaries is projected to increase. Because state laws, and the jurisdictional and financial structure of MPOs, differ between states, the institutional and organizational structures for these multi-state MPO's have become complex.  This research provides insight on how various organizational structures perform, and the best approaches to developing new or expanded MPOs to best meet the challenges of their growing urban areas in a multi-jurisdictional environment.  It provides a review of the various methods that have been used to develop these structures and the resulting organizational relationships.

This research was conducted by surveying existing multi-state MPOs and data on organizational development and structure was summarized and quantified as to effectiveness and utility.  Case studies were developed from a limited number of areas exhibiting best practice characteristics, and an executive summary on best practice approaches is provided.

The report, Multi-State Metropolitan Planning Organizations:  Approaches, Cases and Institutional Arrangements, can be found here.