The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) helps its agency partners and stakeholders decide what transportation projects move forward, when they happen, and how they are funded within Broward. To do this, the MPO uses a set of core planning products that move projects from ideas to reality:
How the Broward MPO Core Products Work Together
A Transportation Conveyor Belt
Transportation planning in Broward County works like a conveyor belt. Each Broward MPO core product plays a specific role, moving transportation ideas from planning and public input to funded projects on the ground.
No single step works alone. Each product depends on the others to keep the process moving smoothly.
Step 1: Powering the Work
Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
The UPWP is where the conveyor belt gets its power.
The UPWP is the MPO’s two‑year operating budget, covering all transportation planning activities. It funds the staff time, data collection, analysis, coordination, and public outreach that make every other product possible.
Think of this as the motor that powers the entire transportation planning process.
Step 2: Setting Direction & Listening
Strategic Business Plan (SBP) and Public Participation Plan (PPP)
With the conveyor belt powered, the MPO establishes how decisions will be made and whose voices are heard.
The SBP sets the MPO’s mission, goals, focus areas, and leadership direction for the next five years. The PPP explains how the public, stakeholders, and partners can participate throughout the planning process.
These products guide the culture, values, and approach behind every transportation decision.
Step 3: Identifying Transportation Needs
Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)
Next, transportation ideas officially get placed on the conveyor belt through the MTP.
The MTP:
- Looks ahead 25 years.
- Identifies long‑term transportation needs using data and public input.
- Collects project ideas through a call for projects and needs assessments.
- Groups projects into funding programs and projected timeframes.
- Ensures the plan is financially realistic.
At this stage, projects are planning‑level ideas. They describe the “what” and “where”, not yet the final design.
Step 4: Refining & Prioritizing Projects
List of Priority Projects (LOPP)
As projects move forward, they reach the LOPP, the most critical sorting point on the conveyor belt.
The LOPP:
- Takes projects already in the MTP.
- Prioritizes them within funding programs and timeframes.
- Adds detail, coordination, and clarity.
- Identifies which projects are ready to request funding.
Projects must meet key “program‑ready” criteria—such as a defined scope, cost estimate, partner coordination, and local support—before advancing.
The LOPP also acts as a funding instruction and negotiation tool with partner agencies.
Think of this as inspecting and organizing projects so the right ones move forward at the right time.
Step 5: Committing Funding & Delivering Projects
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The final stop on the conveyor belt is the TIP.
The TIP:
- Covers the next five years.
- Lists all federally, state, and locally funded transportation projects.
- Shows funding for project phases such as design, right‑of‑way,and construction.
- Confirms that funding decisions follow MPO plans and priorities.
Once a project is in the TIP, funding is committed and implementation can begin.
Think of this as the checkout point—projects are funded and move into action!
Why This Conveyor Belt Matters
This step‑by‑step process ensures transportation decisions in Broward County are:
- Thoughtful and data‑driven
- Guided by community input
- Financially responsible
- Transparent and accountable
- Aligned with long‑term regional goals
Most importantly, it turns ideas into funded transportation projects, one clear step at a time.