PHASE 2 – ESTABLISHING GOALS & OBJECTIVES

In 2025, the Sarasota/Manatee MPO carried out Phase 2 of the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), focused on turning the community’s vision into clear goals and measurable objectives. Through surveys, workshops, and advisory group input, eight regional priorities were identified to guide future investments. These goals will help determine which projects move forward and how success is measured over the next 25 years.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES?

The 2050 LRTP Goals and Objectives define how transportation investments will be evaluated and prioritized over the next 25 years. Developed during Phase 2 through public surveys, workshops, and agency coordination, they reflect the region’s shared priorities: safer travel, better access, stronger infrastructure, and a more connected future.

Each goal is paired with measurable objectives that guide funding decisions and ensure accountability throughout the planning process.

EIGHT GOALS FOR A BETTER TRANSPORTATION FUTURE

These eight regional goals will guide project selection and investment across Sarasota and Manatee Counties:

Safety

  • Reduce severe crashes and conflicts between all users.

  • Provide education to increase safety and security.

  • Plan for efficient evacuations and safe returns.

Livability

  • Expand access to essential services and affordable housing.

  • Improve access for people with disabilities.

  • Ensure economic opportunity in transportation decisions.

Environment

  • Safeguard critical habitat, wetlands, and endangered species.

  • Promote environmental and public health.

  • Increase infill development to reduce urban sprawl.

Project Delivery

  • Analyze project readiness and monitor progress.

  • Prioritize projects with local match and/or public/private partnership.

  • Implement projects recommended from plans, studies, and LRTP.

Infrastructure

  • Preserve and maintain the existing transportation system.

  • Retrofit and replace aging bridges to include multimodal options.

  • Identify and mitigate the effect of stormwater impacts on the system.

Technology

  • Improve operating efficiency using intelligent transportation systems.

  • Identify infrastructure needed for autonomous/ connected/electric/shared technology.

Economy

  • Stimulate economy in enterprise or economic development zones and opportunity zones.

  • Maintain the regional freight network.

  • Improve access to major tourist destinations.

Mobility

  • Promote projects that reduce travel time.

  • Expand transportation options to reduce auto use.

  • Identify and expand connectivity in the regional network.

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

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