Hillsborough TPO Board Meeting – April 8, 2026

The Hillsborough County Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Board met on April 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Hillsborough County Center. The board approved several action items, including a lighting project on Adamo Drive, the Bearss Avenue Multimodal Safety Study, and the annual certification of the transportation planning process. Public comment addressed regional transportation planning, and a workshop on the FY 2028-2032 Priority List was held.

Consent Calendar

• Committee Appointments: Approved unanimously. The board confirmed the nominations of Dustin Johnson, Ivyia Adams, Stephen Jones, Steven Gaynair, and Kelly Loya to the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Joseph Citro (Tampa resident): Expressed concern about a potential tri-county MPO merger, urging that smaller cities like Plant City and Temple Terrace not be overlooked. He advocated for proactive transportation planning around the proposed stadium at the fairgrounds, including rail from the airport to downtown, and for ensuring road improvements do not disrupt adjacent neighborhoods.

Discussion Items

• Deobligation and Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) Amendment: TPO staff presented a routine deobligation of $330,000 in Surface Transportation Program funds from the current FY 2025-2026 UPWP to be reallocated to the FY 2027-2028 cycle. The board approved the amendment unanimously.
• TIP Amendment: Lighting on Adamo Drive (State Road 60) from N 22nd St to US-41: FDOT requested $342,000 for lighting a two-mile unlit segment, in coordination with a resurfacing project. The project is expected to be completed by August 2026. The board approved by roll call vote, 12-0.
• Bearss Avenue Multimodal Safety Study: The study (1.05 miles from North Blvd to CSX railroad) recommended shared-use paths, mid-block crossings, corridor lighting, lane narrowing to 11 feet, and intersection improvements. Discussion included concerns about 11-foot lane compatibility with HART buses. Staff clarified it is not a current HART route and that 11-foot lanes are standard for 45 mph roads. The study was approved unanimously.
• Annual Certification of Metropolitan Transportation Planning Process: TPO Executive Director Johnny Wong presented the joint FDOT/TPO certification, noting seven notable achievements including improved quarterly meetings with local governments, the Brightline station area study public engagement (over 12,000 survey respondents), and a federal PPPP grant for prioritizing projects. No corrective actions were issued. The board approved the certification and authorized the executive director to sign the statement.
• FY 2028-2032 TPO Priority List Workshop: Agency representatives from HART, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City presented their proposed priority projects. Highlights included HART’s bus replacements and bus stop improvements, Hillsborough County’s smart traffic network and trail segments, Tampa’s bridge maintenance and bike/ped projects, Temple Terrace’s 56th Street safety improvements, and Plant City’s pedestrian/bicycle enhancements. The list will be formally considered at the May 13 board meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of the March 11, 2026 meeting.
• Approved consent agenda (committee appointments).
• Approved deobligation and UPWP amendment (unanimous).
• Approved TIP amendment for Adamo Drive lighting (roll call 12-0).
• Approved Bearss Avenue Multimodal Safety Study (unanimous).
• Approved annual certification of the transportation planning process (unanimous).
• Next meetings: Special meeting on May 5, 2026 (to discuss draft regional MPO apportionment plan); regular board meeting on May 13, 2026 (to adopt FY 2028-2032 Priority List).
• Other: FDOT announced a pilot safe driving challenge for high school students in Hillsborough County, and the executive director reported on legislative updates including a 23% reduction in proposed federal transit spending.