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| Planning Board | |
| Date: | 04/22/2025 |
| Title: | Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization - FY25 UPWP Amendment 1 |
| Presented by: | Lora Mattox |
| Department: | Planning & Community Services |
| Presentation: | Yes |
Information
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Planning Board (PB) receive a presentation on the proposed amendment to the FY25 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), hold a public hearing to gather public input, and make a formal recommendation to be forwarded to the Policy Coordinating Committee (PCC).
The Technical Advisory Committee reviewed the request at its April 10 meeting and recommended approval of the amendment.
The Technical Advisory Committee reviewed the request at its April 10 meeting and recommended approval of the amendment.
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. The UPWP identifies 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 priorities and to supplement completion of the City's Complete Streets Policy report. 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. However, in response to evolving City goals and planning needs, resources will instead be redirected toward a limited economic analysis of the City’s Complete Streets Policy. 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 community benefit 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 and shape policy development to continue to build a transportation network that serves the community by being efficient and accessible.
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.
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 priorities and to supplement completion of the City's Complete Streets Policy report. 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. However, in response to evolving City goals and planning needs, resources will instead be redirected toward a limited economic analysis of the City’s Complete Streets Policy. 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 community benefit 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 and shape policy development to continue to build a transportation network that serves the community by being efficient and accessible.
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. On April 10th, the Technical Advisory Committee met and recommended approval of the request to amend the FY25 UPWP.
ALTERNATIVES
The UPWP is a planning document that outlines transportation planning activities for the Billings metropolitan area. The Planning Board may:
- Forward a recommendation of approval to the PCC of the FY25 UPWP Amendment to align with MPO and local objectives, ensuring policy accountability and consistency with transportation planning priorities, or;
- Not forward a recommendation of approval to the PCC of the FY25 UPWP Amendment. Denial of the amendment would require the MPO to move forward with the Bike/Scooter Share RFP, which is currently not a priority for the local governments.
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 analysis. With consultant expertise in economic analysis, the goal is to develop a localized strategy for assessing the financial benefits and impacts of transportation infrastructure construction. The total budget for this project is now $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 analysis. This amendment ensures strategic, data-driven transportation planning that aligns with local government goals.