A person biking alongside cars with the Wisconsin State Capitol building in the background
Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)

Who We Are

The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is the federally designated agency responsible for coordinating regional transportation planning in the Greater Madison area. We ensure that transportation investments align with broader regional priorities, including land use, economic development, and sustainability.

As required by federal law, MPOs serve urban areas with populations over 50,000. MPOs support collaboration among local governments and transportation agencies to guide how federal transportation funds are spent. This includes planning for roadways, public transit, and active transportation infrastructure.

While the City of Madison provides administrative support, the MPO operates independently with its own budget, funded through federal grants and contributions from local communities. This structure allows us to maintain a regional focus, ensuring that transportation planning serves the needs of all communities within our urbanized area.

  • Our Vision

    A regional transportation system that connects people, places, and opportunities to achieve an exceptional quality of life for all. 

  • Our Mission

    To lead the collaborative planning and funding of a sustainable, equitable transportation system for the greater Madison region.

Our Responsibilities

What We Do:

The Greater Madison MPO plays a vital role in shaping the region’s transportation future. Our work includes:

  • Identifying short- and long-range transportation needs
  • Analyzing and evaluating potential transportation improvements
  • Estimating future traffic volumes
  • Keeping the public informed about planning activities
  • Conducting planning studies and preparing comprehensive reports
  • Operating a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program to promote alternatives to driving alone

What We Do Not Do:

While we plan and coordinate transportation improvements, there are certain functions outside our scope. We do not:

  • Design, construct, or repair roads and bridges
  • Enforce traffic laws
  • Build or maintain trails
  • Operate public transit services
  • Oversee land use planning or zoning decisions
  • Implement transportation projects directly

Federal Certification Review

As the federally designated planning organization for the Greater Madison region, the MPO undergoes a formal Transportation Management Area (TMA) Planning Certification Review every four years. This review, conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), ensures our transportation planning process meets all federal requirements and serves the needs of our growing region.

The review evaluates everything from public involvement and equity to infrastructure planning and transit coordination—and includes feedback and recommendations to strengthen our work.

Full Certification Report

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Who We Are