Regional planning organization update sparks debate 

Locally-led efforts to create a framework for what could become the state’s largest metropolitan planning organization continue moving forward. However, at least one Pinellas County commissioner has signaled opposition. 

Merging Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties’ planning agencies would significantly impact the region’s future. Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas, provided an update on exploratory progress Thursday morning.

Proponents believe a regional metropolitan planning organization (MPO) could improve Tampa Bay’s oft-criticized transportation network and garner additional project funding. Commissioner Vince Nowicki questioned the impetus and need if the current system is “functioning for Pinellas.” 

“I don’t think we’re bringing in nearly enough revenues to meet our needs,” Blanton said. “We have a backlog of transportation needs that are unfunded. The funding level hasn’t been commensurate with our growth.” 

Nowicki said Blanton was referring to the region rather than Pinellas. Blanton replied that he believes those issues extend to the county. “That’s your opinion,” Nowicki concluded. 

The commissioner joined the board nearly two years into the formal process. However, Blanton noted that state leadership broached the idea of a regional MPO in 1990. 

Local governments resisted a merger due to population and geographic differences. Blanton said that sentiment has changed alongside the region’s growth. 

“This region is one of the fastest growing in the country, and as a result, everybody wants to get everywhere – seemingly all at once,” he added. “So, we really need to pool our resources and work better together to meet those growing demands.” 

In 2023, the Legislature passed a law that required the three Tampa Bay planning agencies to study the feasibility of a regional MPO. Blanton and Forward Pinellas proactively took the lead to ensure influence and avoid state interference. 

While lawmakers did not mandate a merger, Blanton said they “lit a little fire.” He submitted a feasibility report to state leadership in December 2023. 

The Florida Department of Transportation annually allocates about 80% of a trust fund, now at about $15 billion, to local governments. MPOs prioritize plans in urban areas with over 50,000 people.

Blanton believes smaller, community-based projects could also benefit from increased resources if officials speak “with one voice more effectively.” Concerns remain. 

Blanton said officials in smaller Pinellas communities worry they will not have a seat at a much larger table. The City of Tampa is already “aggrieved” over a perceived lack of funding and “really afraid creating this regional MPO will exacerbate that.”

“There is no guarantee of more funding,” Blanton said. “But it does help position us for more funding.” 

Stakeholders recently reached a consensus on the potential MPO’s structure. Blanton said they thought a 25-person board would best reflect the regional identity. 

Elected officials from Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough would encompass 23 seats. The Hillsborough County Aviation and Tampa Port Authorities, “fundamentally regional entities,” would have two seats. 

A Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) representative would serve as a non-voting board advisor. Stakeholders must establish a structural mechanism, like a subcommittee, to ensure beach communities and towns can participate. 

Blanton said those currently involved have already identified a preferred management and legal consultation firm. Once approved, the consultant will help develop policies and procedures, an agency funding mechanism and obtain consensus from local governments. 

Forming the regional MPO requires approval from local governments representing 75% of the total population. Blanton said the three county commissions, the City of Tampa and City of St. Petersburg would meet that threshold, but “you could get there any number of ways.” The governor would make a final decision. 

“I don’t think this is a minor administrative reorganization,” Nowicki said. “It’s a real political, financial and long-term governance decision that could really alter how the county controls transportation into the future.” 

Blanton agreed that Forward Pinellas already coordinates with other area planning agencies. However, he called that a second job that requires more time and effort.

Blanton said a regional MPO would save taxpayers money by eliminating redundancies. Nowicki asked if Forward Pinellas has surveyed residents to discern support. Those efforts will occur next year. 

“I’ll acknowledge that there has been some top-down pressure for this to happen,” Blanton said. “But there’s also been some grassroots efforts to push for this, from our business community … many of our local governments who represent the voice of the people.” 

Commissioner Dave Eggers interrupted the back-and-forth to highlight the benefits of regionalism. He also noted that the exploration phase would inform a vote to consolidate planning agencies. 

Eggers said ongoing efforts were not driven by state leadership, Blanton or any one person. He called it an “accumulation of different interests to do what’s best for our residents. And it starts here.”