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A Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RTPO) is formed through a voluntary association of local governments within a county or contiguous counties. RTPO members include cities, counties, WSDOT, tribes, ports, transportation service providers, private employers and others.
RTPOs were authorized as part of the 1990 Growth Management Act to ensure local and regional coordination of transportation plans.
There are 15 RTPOs covering 37 of the 39 counties in Washington. Okanogan and San Juan Counties are not part of any RTPO.
State legislation (GMA) created RTPOs. An RTPO covers both urban and rural areas and receives state funding in support of its planning efforts. Federal legislation created Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs). An MPO covers an urbanized area and receives federal funding in support of its planning efforts.
MPOs and RTPOs serve the same basic transportation planning functions – develop a long-range plan, coordinate transportation planning within a region, and prepare a transportation improvement program. The federal MPO and state RTPO requirements of these organizations are complementary.
WSDOT provides administrative and technical assistance, supports RTPO coordination activities, provides a role as the fiduciary agent of the RTPO program, and actively participates in the regional transportation planning process.
Regional Transportation Planning Organizations Map (pdf 675 kb)
Matt Kunic
Tribal and Regional Coordination Office Manager
360.705.7954