Introduction

Unified Planning Work Program:

The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) outlines all planning activities to be carried out within the Metropolitan Planning Area by the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission (DMMPC), in its role as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), during the state fiscal year (SFY July 1-June 30).

The UPWP functions as a comprehensive guide to the overall planning effort. By identifying specific planning activities, it establishes a coordinated program that avoids duplication, integrates transportation and land-use planning, and supports the Continuing, Cooperative, and Comprehensive (3C) planning process. The UPWP also provides the framework for securing federal and state funding. Because many work elements are ongoing from year to year, their descriptions often remain similar across UPWP cycles.

Transportation Planning Program:

The 3C’s transportation planning program is designed to (1) ensure continued progress toward implementing the adopted Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), (2) monitor and evaluate changes in development and travel patterns, (3) maintain current and accurate data, and (4) preserve federal certification for the urbanized area.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization carries out its transportation-related responsibilities through two standing committees: The Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The TPC serves as the policy body for the DMMPC, establishing policies for the 3C’s planning process and providing final approval of required documents and the allocation of federal transportation funds. The TAC provides technical guidance and recommendations to the TPC on planning activities. DMMPC staff perform or coordinate all work conducted under the 3C’s program.

The TPC elects its chair annually, while the TAC is chaired by the DMMPC Executive Director. The Transportation Planner maintains committee records and facilitates the efficient exchange of transportation-related information for both committees.

The transportation planning program operates within federal and state planning requirements and is administered in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), and the DMMPC as the designated MPO. Transportation planning staff are part of the DMMPC organization and work under the direction of the Executive Director, who also serves as MPO Director. Day-to-day planning activities are carried out primarily by the Principal Planner, Administrative Assistant, and the Transportation Planner.