Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Name	Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Abbreviation	DMAMPO
Formation	1970s
Type	Metropolitan planning organization
Headquarters	Des Moines, Iowa
Region served	Polk County, Warren County, Dallas County
Leader title	Executive Director

Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization serves as the regional transportation planning authority for the Des Moines, Iowa metropolitan area, coordinating metropolitan transportation planning among local, state, and federal partners. It develops long-range transportation plans, transportation improvement programs, and regional models while interacting with agencies in the Des Moines region and adjacent jurisdictions.

History

The organization was established amid federal transportation planning reforms and urbanized area designations originating from legislation such as the Federal-Aid Highway Act and subsequent metropolitan planning requirements tied to agencies like the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and state counterparts including the Iowa Department of Transportation. Early collaborators included municipal governments such as the City of Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Clive, and county administrations like Polk County, Dallas County, Iowa, and Warren County, Iowa. Planning efforts intersected with regional entities such as the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Region XII Council of Governments, and the Mid-Iowa Regional Transportation Authority, as well as with institutions including Iowa State University, Drake University, and Des Moines Area Community College that provided demographic and technical support. Over time the MPO coordinated on programs linked to federal initiatives including the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, and the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act while engaging transit providers such as Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority and freight stakeholders like Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway.

Organization and Governance

Governance is structured around a policy board composed of elected officials from municipal councils including representatives from the City of Des Moines City Council, county supervisors from Polk County Board of Supervisors, and appointees from regional jurisdictions such as Johnston, Iowa, Grimes, Iowa, and Pleasant Hill, Iowa. Technical advisory committees include planners from institutions like the Iowa Department of Transportation, engineers from consulting firms that have worked in the region, and representatives from transit agencies including the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority and human service agencies affiliated with Polk County Health Department. The MPO coordinates with regional bodies such as the Federal Highway Administration division office, the Federal Transit Administration regional representative, and metropolitan partners like the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Staffing typically includes planners with backgrounds tied to professional associations like the American Planning Association, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, and the Urban Land Institute, while oversight and funding intersect with bodies such as the Iowa Governor's Office and congressional delegations from Iowa's 3rd congressional district.

Planning and Programs

Core products include a Long Range Transportation Plan, a Transportation Improvement Program, and a Congestion Management Process developed collaboratively with entities such as the Des Moines International Airport, Des Moines Water Works, and regional freight stakeholders including Midland Railway and Union Pacific Railroad. Planning incorporates data and models from sources including the United States Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and regional travel demand models informed by institutions like Iowa State University. Programs address multimodal priorities coordinating with bus operators such as Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, bicycle and pedestrian initiatives endorsed by organizations such as the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, and regional goods movement involving carriers affiliated with Freight Mobility advocates. The MPO engages with federal funding frameworks under statutes like the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act and programs administered by entities including the Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration to implement performance-based planning consistent with standards recommended by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and research from the Transportation Research Board.

Funding and Budget

The MPO’s budget is comprised of federal planning grants administered through the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration, state matching funds coordinated with the Iowa Department of Transportation, and local contributions from member jurisdictions such as the City of Des Moines and Polk County. Financial oversight aligns with federal requirements in acts like the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 and the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act, and reporting follows guidelines set by the United States Department of Transportation and auditing practices consistent with standards from organizations like the Government Accountability Office. Funding allocations support program areas including travel demand modeling, transit planning with partners such as the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, and capital programming coordinated with the Des Moines International Airport and county public works departments.

Projects and Infrastructure

The MPO programs capacity, safety, and maintenance projects undertaken by member jurisdictions including arterial improvements on corridors managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation and local road projects in communities like Ankeny and West Des Moines. Multimodal investments include transit capital for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, bicycle networks planned with advocacy groups such as the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, and pedestrian enhancements in downtown districts like Downtown Des Moines. Freight and intermodal projects coordinate with railroads including Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railway, port and river stakeholders along the Des Moines River, and facilities such as the Des Moines International Airport. Project selection and prioritization reference national best practices from the Transportation Research Board and performance measures used by the Federal Highway Administration.

Public Engagement and Outreach

Public participation strategies mirror federal requirements and involve public meetings in venues across member cities such as Des Moines City Hall, workshops with community organizations including the Greater Des Moines Partnership, and targeted outreach to stakeholders like the Iowa Department of Public Health and neighborhood associations. Digital engagement uses tools and channels akin to those employed by metropolitan agencies such as the Mid-America Regional Council and regional nonprofits to solicit comments on plans, projects, and the Transportation Improvement Program. Educational partnerships include collaborations with academic institutions like Drake University and Iowa State University to support data analysis, public forums, and technical assistance for underserved communities.

Category:Metropolitan planning organizations in the United States