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| Date: | 04/10/2025 |
| Title: | Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization - FY25 UPWP Amendment 1 |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) forward a recommendation for approval of the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) FY25 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Amendment 1 to the local governing bodies. The local governing bodies will review the amendment and provide a recommendation to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC), which has the final authority on MPO transportation planning documents.
BACKGROUND (Consistency with Adopted Plans and Policies, if applicable)
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, MDT and 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 evolving community goals, interest in the economic impact and return on complete transportation system, and planning needs, resources will instead be redirected toward a limited economic analysis of the City’s Complete Streets Policy. The analysis will focus on 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 an economic and ROI analysis, the Billings MPO is ensuring that long-range transportation planning is strategic, data-driven, and aligned with community needs. The results will inform investment decisions, shape policy development, and optimize resource allocation to build a more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable transportation network.
To facilitate review, the changes in the FY25 UPWP are highlighted in red within the document. Additionally, an Amendment Edit Reference Sheet is attached, indicating the page numbers where revisions have been made.
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 evolving community goals, interest in the economic impact and return on complete transportation system, and planning needs, resources will instead be redirected toward a limited economic analysis of the City’s Complete Streets Policy. The analysis will focus on 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 an economic and ROI analysis, the Billings MPO is ensuring that long-range transportation planning is strategic, data-driven, and aligned with community needs. The results will inform investment decisions, shape policy development, and optimize resource allocation to build a more efficient, sustainable, and economically viable transportation network.
To facilitate review, the changes in the FY25 UPWP are highlighted in red within the document. Additionally, an Amendment Edit Reference Sheet is attached, indicating the page numbers where revisions have been made.
STAKEHOLDERS
The MPO’s Transportation Planning Process includes multiple opportunities for public input. The Planning Board will host a public hearing, with additional public comment opportunities at Billings City Council, the Board of County Commissioners, and the Policy Coordinating Committee meetings.
ALTERNATIVES
The TAC may:
- Recommend approval of the FY25 UPWP Amendment to align with MPO and local objectives, ensuring policy accountability and consistency with transportation planning priorities.
- 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 is not a priority for the local government.
FISCAL EFFECTS
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 and return-on-investment analysis. With consultant expertise in economic analysis, the goal is to develop a localized strategy for assessing the financial impacts of transportation infrastructure construction. The total budget for this project with this amendment will be $45,000.
SUMMARY
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 return-on-investment analysis. This amendment ensures strategic, data-driven transportation planning that aligns with community needs and long-term goals.