The 2011 Association for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) Annual Conference took place in Dallas, TX from October 25 -28, 2011.  This event brought together policy board members, executive directors, technical staffs, federal and state employees, and consultants to share information on a variety of MPO issues.  The 2011 Conference theme was “Moving America’s Metros.”  Topics of the conference included Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning, Developing Sustainable Communities, Innovative Financing, MPO Operations, Performance Measures, Tolling and Highway Finance, and Transit-Oriented Development. 

On October 26, 2011, the Keynote Address was given by Matthew K. Rose, Chief Executive Officer of Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway Company.  Headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, BNSF Railway Company operates one of the largest rail systems in North America.  Holding this position since 2000, Mr. Rose is a member of multiple boards including AMR Corporation, AT&T Inc., Association of American Railroads, President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness, and US Chamber of Commerce.

An update on the latest transportation policy happenings in Washington, DC was given to conference attendees.  This interactive session reviewed recent legislative actions, current funding issues, reauthorization, and the possible impact of the upcoming elections.

The results of the 2011 AMPO Awards were announced on October 27, 2011.  The 2011 award winners included:
•    National Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement for a TMA MPO: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
•    National Award for Outstanding Leadership: Michael Skipper, Nashville Area MPO
•    Commemorative Memorial: New York Metropolitan Transportation Council Staff

Joining AMPO, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration representatives held a Q&A town hall discussion on emerging and recent transportation issues on October 28, 2011.

Ms. Camelia Ravanbakht, HRTPO Deputy Executive Director, served on a panel speaking to the topic of Emergency Response and Preparedness.  This discussion-based session highlighted challenges and activities underway that address the issues of security planning for natural and man-made disasters.  Ms. Ravanbakht also attended the AMPO Policy Committee meeting.

For more information about the conference sessions and workshops, please visit: http://www.ampo.org .