Staff recommends the City Council forward a recommendation of approval of the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) FY Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), Amendment 1, to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC). The PCC is scheduled to take final action on the UPWP Amendment TIP at its meeting on May 20, 2025.

The Billings Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is a planning document that outlines transportation planning activities for the Billings metropolitan area. It is developed by the Billings MPO in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies and approved by the PCC, Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Federal Highways Administration (FHWA). The UPWP identifies annual planning tasks, funding sources, and schedules for studies related to roadways, transit, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and overall transportation system improvements. It ensures compliance with federal transportation planning requirements and supports long-range transportation goals for the region. Periodic amendments are necessary to update projects, funding allocations, and schedules.

The Billings MPO proposes to amend the FY25 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) to align with shifting local project priorities. These amendments, outlined in Elements 302 and 700, involve adjustments to both project scope and financial allocations. Initially, the MPO planned to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a bike and scooter share program in 2024-2025. This project was identified based on the recommendations from the 2021 Bike and Scooter Share Feasibility Study. However, in response to changes in City and County interests in the focus of transportation planning, resources will instead be redirected toward a limited economic analysis of the City's Complete Streets Policy. The analysis will focus on the investment benefits and efficiencies of multi-modal improvements. The amendment process will fully adhere to the MPO's Transportation Planning procedures, ensuring ample opportunities for public participation and review.

By conducting this limited economic analysis, the Billings MPO is ensuring that long-range transportation planning in the area of multi-modal planning and projects is strategic, data-driven, and more aligned with recent City and County concerns of the application of multi-modal planning. The idea is that the results will further inform investment decisions, help shape policy development, and optimize resource allocation to continue to build an efficient transportation network accessible for all users.

To facilitate review, the changes in the FY25 UPWP are highlighted in red within the attached document. Additionally, an Amendment Edit Reference Sheet is attached, indicating the page numbers where revisions have been made. 
 

The review of the FY25 UPWP Amendment will include the MPO's Transportation Planning Process, which offers several opportunities for public input. On April 10th, the Technical Advisory Committee met and recommended the governing bodies approve the FY25 UPWP Amendment. This recommendation is now being forwarded for their consideration.

• On April 22nd, the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the Amendment request and make a recommendation to the PCC.
• Additionally, on April 29th, the Yellowstone County Commissioners will review the Amendment request and provide a recommendation to the PCC.
• Final action on the FY25 UPWP Amendment request will come before the PCC during its meeting on May 20th.

City Council may:

• Recommend approval of the FY25 UPWP Amendment to align with MPO and local objectives, ensuring consistency with transportation planning priorities; or,
• Decline to recommend approval of the FY25 UPWP Amendment. Denial of the amendment would require the MPO to move forward with the Bike/Scooter Share RFP, which staff does not believe is a priority for the local government.

The Bike/Scooter Share RFP was initially allocated a budget of $20,000, while the Complete Streets Progress Report's limited economic analysis also had a budget of $20,000. Under the proposed amendment, funding for the Bike/Scooter Share project would be redirected to support the Progress Report’s economic analysis. Additionally, the MPO is reallocating $3,000 in PL contingency funds and $2,000 in local (Planning) funds, adding a total of $5,000. These additional resources will enable staff to enhance the economic analysis. With consultant expertise in economic analysis, the goal is to develop a localized strategy for assessing the financial benefits of transportation infrastructure construction. The total budget for this project is now $45,000.

The Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is proposing Amendment 1 to the FY25 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) to realign project priorities and funding. Originally, $20,000 was allocated for a Bike/Scooter Share RFP, but the amendment redirects these funds to a limited economic analysis of the City’s Complete Streets initiatives. An additional $5,000 from contingency and local planning funds increases the total project budget to $45,000, allowing for a more comprehensive investment analysis. This amendment ensures strategic, data-driven transportation planning that aligns with recent City and County interests.