Florida to Launch MPO Institute
In an effort to address these issues, the Consortium is developing a training institute for MPO members. “The Institute will benefit transportation planning throughout Florida by quickly bringing newly appointed MPO members up to speed regarding the process and the key roles they play.” said Howard Glassman, Executive Director of the MPO Advisory Council. “Overall, MPO members will be better prepared to make complex transportation decisions.”
The Institute will prepare MPO members to provide more effective leadership and collaboration through a better understanding of the process and enhanced leadership and collaboration skills. The project is being done in partnership with the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. The partners have identified training needs, outlined a proposed curriculum, and made recommendations regarding the development of the Institute. The effort was guided by input they gained through interactive workshops with key transportation planning stakeholders.
The initial institute is planned for early 2007. The weekend institute will give participants an opportunity to learn interactively in an environment that takes them away from their other official responsibilities. Additionally, participants will benefit from interaction with other MPO Boards from across the state.
For further information, contact FCRC Project Associate, Hal Beardall, or CUTR Senior Research Associate Jeff Kramer, AICP. (Some of this information appeared in Florida Transportation Monthly, September, 2005, “It’s Back To School For MPO Board Members.”)