The TPO Board is comprised of elected officials including all 5 county commissioners and representatives from 15 of the 17 municipalities in Polk County. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is represented as a non-voting member, and several Board members also serve on the board of directors for local transit agencies.
The TPO Board adopts and maintains a long-range multi-modal transportation plan that includes highway, public transportation, passenger rail, pedestrian, bicycle and multi-use trail improvements. It establishes local priorities for the use of federal and state funds on transportation projects. Annually, the Board adopts a Transportation Improvement Program that includes the FDOT’s Five Year Work Program and implements the long-range plan.
The Polk TPO’s decision-making process is guided by public participation and comment as well technical studies and recommendations.
The Adviser Network
The TPO established the Adviser Network to serve as an alternate mechanism for citizen involvement. The objective is to increase public involvement (especially by members of minority and low income households). The Adviser Network provides a less formal, more extensive structure for soliciting public participation and comment. Members can participate in the planning process through 8 different mediums. There are currently 130 members.
Technical Advisory Committee
The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) includes representatives from all of the TPO’s member jurisdictions, as well as, transit agency and school board representatives. The smaller cities are often represented by the city manager while the larger cities appoint a planner or engineer. The TAC makes regular recommendations to the TPO Board on technical issues and other action items.
We encourage you explore these boards and committees and if you are compelled to make an impact as a citizen of Polk County, check out the Adviser Network.
Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board
The purpose of the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board, often referred to as just the Local Coordinating Board, is to help identify and serve the local needs of the transportation disadvantaged.
Transportation disadvantaged persons are considered those who, because of physical or mental disability, income status, or age, are unable to transport themselves or to purchase transportation and are therefore dependent upon others to obtain access to health care, employment, education, shopping, social activities, or other life sustaining activities, or to children who are handicapped, high risk, or at risk.
A variety of local agencies and interest groups related to transportation disadvantaged persons are voting members on the 18-person board.
The authority and duties of the Polk County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board are set forth in Chapter 427 of the Florida Statutes and Rule 41-2 of Florida Administrative Code.