The MPO Policy Committee is designated by the governor of Illinois and northeastern Illinois local officials as the region's metropolitan planning organization (MPO). It is the decision-making body for all regional transportation plans and programs for this area. The MPO Policy Committee plans, develops and maintains an affordable, safe and efficient transportation system for the region, providing the forum through which local decision makers develop regional plans and programs.
The CMAP Board and MPO Policy Committee have jointly adopted a memorandum of understanding that is the framework for integrating land use and transportation through CMAP's regional comprehensive planning process. It was most recently revised and reaffirmed on June 19, 2019. The agreement covers the working relationship between the two boards, whose responsibilities are defined in the Regional Planning Act and federal legislation. By adopting this agreement, the MPO Policy Committee and CMAP Board affirmed their commitment to coordinate and integrate the region's planning for land use and transportation in an open and collaborative process.