PHASE 1 - DEFINING THE VISION FOR 2050
In 2024, the Sarasota/Manatee MPO embarked on Phase 1 of the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) with the goal of defining a clear vision for the region’s transportation future. Through extensive public engagement, workshops, and data analysis, we established a long-term vision focused on creating a balanced future for Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
PUBLIC OUTREACH RESULTS
As part of Phase 1, the MPO conducted a Visioning Survey from May to June 2024, gathering feedback from more than 700 participants. Additionally, over 25 residents participated in workshops to help shape the plan’s vision.
Top Priorities Identified by the Community:
Environmental Health
Creating Vibrant Places
Building Durable Communities
Promoting Economic Diversity
These priorities reflect the community’s desire for a transportation system that not only enhances connectivity but also supports long-term, responsible growth.
PHASE 1 VISION:
CREATING A BALANCED FUTURE
Based on extensive public outreach, including survey responses and workshops, the Sarasota/Manatee MPO developed a vision for the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP):
“Creating a Balanced Future” — designed to align with the community’s desire for responsible growth, natural resource preservation, and enhanced transportation options.
What does this mean?
A Unified Approach: Combining elements from four key scenarios: Economic Growth, Vibrant Places, Environmental Health, and Strong Communities.
Community-Driven: Nearly 700 survey responses and workshops revealed that residents favored a balanced approach that integrates growth, conservation, and better connectivity.
Strategic Focus: This vision prioritizes:
Multimodal transportation to ease congestion.
Preserving natural resources.
Focusing development within existing urban areas.
Building durable infrastructure to withstand storms.
This vision will guide future investments to align with community needs and regional priorities.
WHAT’S NEXT?
As the planning process moves forward, the MPO is evaluating needs, gathering public input, and shaping transportation strategies that reflect the region’s long-term vision. Community feedback remains central at every step to ensure the LRTP supports a future that’s balanced, connected, and built for everyone.
PHASE 2
EVALUATE OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
Let’s evaluate the current state of our transportation system and identify actionable improvement strategies and projects.
SUMMER 2024 - SUMMER 2025
PHASE 3
DEFINE & PRIORITIZE KEY PROJECTS
Let's take a look at the full menu of possible projects to achieve that 2050 vision, and then prioritize projects based on projected federal funds over the next 25 years.
SUMMER 2025 - FALL 2025
PHASE 1
DEFINE A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Let's work together to define a vision of what we want our transportation system to look like in 25 years and how we want to get there.
SPRING 2024 - SUMMER 2024
RELATED STUDIES
In September 2024, the MPO adopted five key planning studies to guide the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan. These studies address critical areas such as multimodal transportation, congestion management, safety, and infrastructure readiness.
Learn more about these studies and how they shape our transportation future.
INVEST TODAY, TRANSFORM TOMORROW!
GET INVOLVED
Your input is essential as we move forward. Participate in shaping the future of transportation in Sarasota and Manatee Counties:
Join upcoming workshops
Complete our next survey
Follow us on social media for updates
