About TPO

Who is Polk TPO?

Established in 1977, the Polk Transportation Planning Organization serves as Polk County’s lead transportation planning agency. We ensure that federal and state funds are allocated to local transportation projects through a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive planning process. This ensures safe, reliable travel for all users of the transportation system. We work closely with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and local governments to address the diverse transportation needs of our community.

What Do We Do?

We engage in comprehensive planning to meet short and long-term travel requirements within Polk County. Our goal is to provide safe and efficient travel options for residents and visitors. Whether it’s improving roadways, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety, or optimizing transit services, we strive to create a well-connected transportation network that benefits everyone.

Our work encompasses a range of strategic planning and implementation activities, including:

Long Range Transportation Plan: This plan is a detailed framework for transportation development over the next 20 to 25 years, outlining strategies and projects to improve the transportation network.
Transportation Improvement Program: The TIP lists all the transportation projects in the county that are funded by federal and state sources in the upcoming five years.
Priority Projects: We gather input annually from local government, community organizations, businesses and the public to prioritize transportation projects for FDOT consideration during the development of the five-year work program.
Unified Planning Work Program: The UPWP outlines all the transportation planning projects and programs in Polk County. It serves as the foundation for allocating federal, state and local funds for planning purposes. It is updated every two years to document all planning tasks and related activities.