About

Formerly known as the Cheyenne Area Transportation Planning Process (ChATPP), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was designated for transportation planning purposes by the Governor of Wyoming in 1981.

What does the MPO do? 

As the MPO, we’re responsible for developing transportation policies and coordinating the various federal, state, and local agencies involved in long-range transportation planning and project development. 

We’re involved with a 20-year socioeconomic growth area known as the Metropolitan Planning Boundary, shown here.

Although our primary focus is transportation, our mission encompasses far more than highways and pavement. In fact, we’re involved with all aspects of growth, development and quality-of life improvements for the Cheyenne area involving transportation!

How we plan for the Cheyenne area’s transportation needs

A Comprehensive, Cooperative and Continuing (3C) planning process is necessary for us to plan for the Cheyenne area’s future transportation needs. A major part of this process involves both citizen input and a three- committee format. This produces an ongoing attempt to satisfy present and future travel demands, as well as to provide transportation needs for a growing population and economic base.

Additionally, we coordinate the development of a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Every TIP contains a prioritized list of all proposed highway, street and transit projects in the metropolitan area for a three-year period, along with funding estimates for the implementation of those programs. 

As part of each TIP, we ensure there is adequate opportunity for comment on the proposed program by citizens, public transit users, public agencies, representatives of transportation agencies, freight shippers, private providers of transportation and other parties.

When planning, we also include considerations such as land use, bicycle and pedestrian needs, intermodal connectivity, methods to enhance transit service, and needs identified through the management systems required under the act.

Seven major planning elements

It’s our aspiration that the projects listed in each TIP are the result of a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive planning process that considers and reflects the following seven major planning elements:

Economy

Support economic vitality of the metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity and efficiency.

Safety

Increase safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and non-motorized users.

Accessibility

Increase accessibility and mobility options available to people for freight.

Protection

Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, and improve quality of life.

Connectivity

Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes, for people and freight.

Efficiency

Promote efficient management and operation.

Preservation

Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation systems.

National Awards and Recognition

2018 WYOPASS Plan of the Year Award for the Reed Ave. Rail Corridor Plan

2012 AMPO National Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement for a NON-TMA MPO

2010 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and co-sponsored by the American Planning Association -Transportation Planning Excellence Award Transportation Safety Management Plan

2008 AMPO National Award for Innovative Practice in Metropolitan Transportation Planning

2007 APA Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan

2006 AMPO National Award for Outstanding Achievement in Metropolitan Transportation Planning

2006 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and co-sponsored by the American Planning Association -Transportation Planning Excellence Award

2005 AMPO National Award for Outstanding Achievement in Metropolitan Transportation Planning

Questions about the MPO?

Get in touch today!