Metropolitan Capacity Building Program

Centralized Information for Metropolitan Transportation Planning

The Metropolitan Capacity Building Program (MCB) has been launched to serve as a centralized, comprehensive source of information for those with an interest in metropolitan transportation planning. It is a collaborative effort of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO). The website is designed to provide background information and understanding of the transportation planning process, the role of decision makers within the process, and its relationship to community and societal goals.

The MCB program has five parts:

Information Dissemination
A major priority is easy access to transportation-related information from a number of sources. Through the MCB website and targeted mailings, the program distributes information about sources of technical assistance and training opportunities. It also provides links to related websites and makes transportation case studies available.

Technical Assistance
The MCB program provides systematic and targeted technical assistance to MPO board members, staff, and other transportation professionals engaged in metropolitan transportation planning. The program offers support in a number of topic areas, and is updated continually to meet current needs. This assistance is need-based and tailored to the individual making the request.

Training
Formal training courses provide a rigorous background in the substance and methods of the planning process. The program includes formal training in a broad range of metropolitan transportation planning subjects. These sessions are geared to the needs of MPO board members, community leaders and professionals in metropolitan areas who participate in the metropolitan transportation planning process, professional MPO staff, and FHWA and FTA field staff. New courses are being developed based on feedback from transportation professionals.

In addition, it is anticipated that papers and documents will be posted that are of interest to the transportation planning community. Transportation planning issues are closely intertwined with many other planning issues, including environment, housing, economic development and land use.

Education
FTA and FHWA are partnering with universities to collaborate with them in the design of effective academic programs at universities, junior/community colleges, and technical schools.

Outreach and Customer Feedback
The program sponsors are committed to creating useful dialogue with members of the planning community by gathering comments and suggestions and incorporating them wherever possible on a continuing basis. The program provides regular opportunities for dialogue to ensure the effective exchange of ideas with participants.

Contact

Ashby Johnson, AICP
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Metropolitan Planning
400 7th St., SW
Room 3232
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-8796
ashby.johnson@fhwa.dot.gov

Sherry Ways, AICP
Federal Transit Administration
Office of Planning, Metropolitan Planning Division
400 7th St., SW
Room 9413
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-1587
sherry.ways@fta.dot.gov