The Amarillo MPO collaborates with local, county, and state officials to coordinate and develop transportation systems, ensuring effective planning, coordination of transportation modes, and proposing projects that meet the region’s transportation needs.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- amarillompo@amarillo.gov
- 806-378-4219
-
Simms Municipal Building
Second Floor
808 S Buchanan St
Amarillo, TX 79101 -
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Amarillo MPO was established in 1973 to coordinate transportation planning for the Amarillo metropolitan area. The MPO ensures that federal transportation funds are allocated to projects that meet local needs and are part of a comprehensive, continuous, and cooperative planning process.
Planning Area
The MPO’s planning area, known as the Metropolitan Area Boundary (MAB), includes Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland, Lake Tanglewood, Timber Creek Canyon, Palisades, and Bishop Hills.
MPO Quick Links
MPO Metropolitan transportation plan
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is the 25-year document that outlines the state of current transportation, projects future needs, and offers projects and other methods for keeping the people and freight in the Amarillo MPO region moving efficiently.
MPO Committee Meetings
The Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Committee meets quarterly in January, April, July, and October. Click here to find information about past and upcoming meeting agendas and minutes.
Loop 335 Project Map
TxDOT, in consultation with the Amarillo MPO and regional stakeholders, has initiated action to begin the realignment of the southwest portion of State Loop 335 to the Helium Rd corridor. This is a multiphase project. Click here to access our interactive map for the 335 Corridor.
About Amarillo Area MPO
Introduction
The Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was established in 1973 to coordinate transportation planning efforts for the Amarillo area. The MPO ensures that local and regional transportation systems are planned and developed efficiently, aligning with federal and state requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plan and coordinate transportation systems
- Develop and maintain transportation improvement programs
- Engage public participation in transportation planning
The MPO carries out three major work activities that keep transportation projects eligible for federal funding:
- Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP): A long-range plan (25 years) that forecasts future transportation needs and suggests strategies.
- Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): A short-term (4-year) plan that outlines prioritized transportation projects.
- Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP): Describes annual activities and budget allocation for transportation planning.
What geographic area does Amarillo MPO cover?
The MPO’s jurisdiction covers the Amarillo Metropolitan Area Boundary, which includes Amarillo, Canyon, Bushland, and several surrounding communities.
What are the current activities of the MPO?
- Carrying out the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP): We’re actively implementing projects to improve transportation based on the MTP.
- Developing Intermodal Connections: Our focus is on creating better links between various transportation modes (e.g., buses, bikes, cars).
- Engaging the Public: We invite public participation in all planning processes to ensure that transportation solutions meet community needs.
How does the MPO fund transportation projects?
- Highway & Bridge Projects: We use federal funding from programs like the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and the National Highway System (NHS) to fund major transportation projects.
- Transit Projects: Transit improvements are supported through various federal and state programs for both urban and rural areas.
What MPO opportunities are available for public participation?
The public can attend MPO Policy Committee meetings, participate in public forums, and share feedback through surveys. We encourage community involvement to ensure transportation planning meets local needs.
Where is the Amarillo Area MPO located?
The Amarillo MPO office is located at: 808 S Buchanan St, 2nd Floor, Simms Municipal Building, Amarillo, TX Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on holidays)
MPO details & helpful agency links
MPO Policy Committee
The Transportation Policy Committee is the decision-making body. It approves and adopts all the transportation planning activities of the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
The Technical Advisory Committee provides technical expertise to the Policy Advisory Committee by reviewing and recommending revisions to the planning process, data collection, forecasts, the Unified Work Program, the Transportation Improvement Program, and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
MPO Policy Committee Voting Members
The MPO is led by the Policy Committee, which includes city, county, and state representatives, along with key community members. The committee meets quarterly to review transportation plans and projects.
- Voting Members: City officials, county judges, commissioners, TxDOT representatives, and community leaders.
- Ex-Officio Members: Representatives from surrounding areas, state districts, and planning commissions.
| Voting Members | Title | Organization |
| Cole Stanley | Mayor | City of Amarillo |
| Tom Scherlen | City Council Member | City of Amarillo |
| Grayson Path | City Manager | City of Amarillo |
| Joe Price | City Manager | City of Canyon |
| Alex Guerrero | Local Government Servies Director | Panhandle Regional Planning Commission |
| Nancy Tanner | County Judge | Potter County |
| H.R. Kelly | County Commissioner | Potter County |
| Christy Dyer | County Judge | Randall County |
| Rick Cooper | County Commissioner | Randall County |
| Kit Black, P.E. | Director of Transportation Planning & Dev | TxDOT, Amarillo |
| Blair Johnson, P.E. | District Engineer | TxDOT, Amarillo |
MPO Policy Committee Non-Voting Members
| NON-VOTING | |||
| Travis Muno | MPO Administrator | Amarillo MPO | |
| Jenifer Ramirez | Senior Planner | Amarillo MPO | |
| Jim Hillwig | Planner I | Amarillo MPO | |
| Allison Knie | Planner II | Amarillo MPO | |
| Devin Jones | MPO Planning Technician | Amarillo MPO | |
| Russell Washer | Urban Transportation Planner | TxDOT, Amarillo | |
| Justin Morgan | Urban Planner | FHWA, Austin | |
| Julia Forrester | District Transit Planner | TxDOT, Amarillo | |
| EX-OFFICIO | |||
| John Smithee | State Representative | State of Texas | X |
| Caroline Fairly | State Representative | State of Texas | X |
| Kevin Sparks | State Senator | State of Texas | X |
| Ronny Jackson | U. S. Representative | State of Texas | X |
MPO Technical Advisory Committee
| Member’s Name | Representing |
| Travis Muno | Amarillo MPO |
| Jenifer Ramirez | Amarillo MPO |
| Allison Knie | Amarillo MPO |
| Devin Jones | Amarillo MPO |
| Donny Hooper | City of Amarillo |
| Chris Quigley | City of Amarillo |
| Chris Enriquez | City of Canyon |
| Donny Rivas | Potter County |
| Tim Sorrell | Randall County |
| Kit Black P.E. | TxDOT, Amarillo |
| Julia Forrester | TxDOT, Amarillo |
| Russell Washer | TxDOT, Amarillo |
| Blair Johnson P.E. | TxDOT, Amarillo |
MPO Partner Organizations and Resource Links
City and Local Agency Links
- City of Amarillo: The City of Amarillo is the fiscal agent for the Amarillo Metropolitan Planning Organization.
- City of Amarillo Traffic Department: City traffic signal maintenance, signage management, and regular roadway safety improvements.
- City of Amarillo Planning Department: The Planning Department provides development and redevelopment services.
- Amarillo City Transit: Provides public transit services, including fixed routes and paratransit.
- City of Canyon: Collaborates with the MPO on regional transportation planning.
MPO & Planning Organizations
- Association of Texas MPOs: Facilitates the exchange of ideas, state/federal policy participation, and professional development in transportation planning across Texas.
- Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO): Advocates for metropolitan regions to improve transportation systems.
- National Association of Regional Councils: Represents regional councils and MPOs, providing advocacy at the national level.
- Panhandle Regional Planning Commission: Assists local governments in the Texas Panhandle with programs to improve citizens’ safety and welfare.
Partnering Counties
- Potter County: Participates as a member of the MPO Policy and Technical Committees.
- Randall County: Engages with the MPO on transportation planning and decision-making.
Federal Agencies
- United States Department of Transportation (USDOT): The main hub for federal transportation programs and research.
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS): Provides transportation data, from ridership to freight shipments.
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): Administers surface transportation programs, including the interstate system.
- Federal Transit Administration (FTA): Funds and provides assistance for mass transit programs.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Oversees public and private sector aviation regulations and safety.
State Agencies
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): Responsible for state highways and infrastructure planning. Provides road condition reports and traffic updates.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): Texas’ environmental protection agency.
- Texas Natural Resources Information System (TNRIS): State clearinghouse for maps, aerial photos, and natural resource data.
Academic Research Centers
- Texas Transportation Institute (TTI): Leading transportation research center under Texas A&M University.
- Center for Transportation Research (U.T. Austin): Nationally recognized research center focused on transportation innovation.
- ITS America: Advocates for the development of intelligent transportation systems to improve national transportation safety and efficiency.
Transportation Legislation and Organizations
- SAFETEA-LU: Legislative information about the 2005 federal transportation law.
- Texas Legislature Online: Search Texas legislation related to transportation planning.
- AASHTO: American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials advocates for transportation-related policies.
- Safe Routes to School: Promotes safe walking and biking to school, improving community health and safety.
- American Planning Association: Nonprofit focused on urban and rural planning.
- Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor Coalition: A multimodal corridor that facilitates the transportation of goods from Mexico to Canada through West Texas and the U.S. West.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Information
- FHWA Bicycle & Pedestrian Information: Guidance and regulations for biking and pedestrian safety.
- Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center: Promotes walking and biking as viable means of transportation.
- Texas Bicycle Coalition: Advocates for safe bicycling access, education, and safety in Texas.
Public Transit Organizations
Amarillo City Transit: Operates public transit services in Amarillo, offering both fixed-route and demand-response services.