The purpose of the Regional Freight Analysis is to support economic growth, improve freight mobility, and ensure infrastructure resilience. This study will assess the current freight infrastructure and activity centers, identify challenges and opportunities, engage stakeholders across the freight sector, and recommend targeted improvements that align with regional and statewide freight planning goals.

The purpose of the Watershed and Transportation Asset Analysis to better understand and identify transportation infrastructure vulnerabilities to storm surge, flooding, and watershed-scale hazards. The goal is to identify and assess the transportation infrastructure in the MPO region that is vulnerable to storm surges and flooding, in order to support resilient and reliable transportation infrastructure, reduce risks, and enhance coordination with regional partners.

The purpose of the Regional Transit Feasibility Study is to better understand the unmet needs of existing transit services, to identify gaps, and collaboratively create a plan that complements and improves existing transit facilities and services in our region.

The focus of the Ed Smith Stadium Planning Study was to assess and address overall multimodal accessibility throughout the study area. The game day conditions were an important consideration, but the broader goal was enhancing the transportation network throughout the entirety of the study area. The overall goal is to create a more inclusive and efficient transportation environment that accommodates the needs of various types of commuters and enhances overall accessibility to the stadium premises.

The Transportation Investment Analysis identified strategies for improving the project delivery outcomes of priority transportation investments in Sarasota and Manatee counties. While the MPO’s partnership with FDOT and local agencies has historically been positive and productive, having achieved many successes in terms of project delivery, the MPO strives to find ways to continuously improve and the TIA study is focused on identifying opportunities to achieve that goal.

The purpose of the Barrier Island Implementation Plan was to develop tangible, short- and medium-term strategies to address the escalating transportation challenges for the barrier islands of Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Recognizing that no single solution can solve the complex issues facing the islands, the Plan combines data analysis, community engagement, and lessons from comparable communities to deliver a clear roadmap for implementation to offer some congestion relief.

The Destination Zero Action Plan is the start to implementing the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) long-term commitment to safe streets for all roadway users. The success of this Plan does not rest with only the MPO or the MPO’s partner agencies. It is a regional, multiagency collaborative process that will require focused efforts and cooperation to make progress towards the goal of reducing traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.

The Resiliency & Vulnerability Assessment is a regionally-focused, two-phase vulnerability and mitigation analysis that identifies vulnerable transportation infrastructure and cost-effective strategies to increase the transportation system’s resilience to storm surge, nuisance flooding, and wildfires. Phase I, completed in February 2023, thoroughly examined potential vulnerabilities in the region, identified critical transportation sites that need attention, and provided practical solutions. Phase II, completed in September 2024, further improved this list, and ensures the plan is both resilient and adaptable to various scenarios.

The LECOM Park & Village of the Arts District Mobility Study identifies and recommends improvements that enhance mobility and safety in the area surrounding LECOM Park and the Village of the Arts (VOTA). It focuses on enhancing travel for all roadway users, including driving, biking, walking, or riding transit. The study area, located just south of downtown Bradenton, includes key corridors such as 9th Avenue, 17th Avenue, 13th Avenue, 9th Street, and 14th Street.

The SUN Trail Alignment Studies focus on developing a network of biking and walking trails that will connect to schools, parks, transit stops, essential services, local attractions, and other key destinations. It was split into two trail studies: the Manatee Trail Alignment Study and the Sarasota Trail Alignment Study. On May 22, 2023, the MPO Board unanimously voted to adopt the recommended alignment alternatives for each study area.

The US 41 Transit Choices Study focused on evaluating options that improve the speed and on time performance of transit services on US 41/Route 99. The goal was to identify projects that improve and enhance public transportation services by providing timely connections with other services operating throughout the region, as well as meeting future transportation needs to support the creation of vibrant places and equitable transportation choices.