Overview
The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) lists transportation planning studies in the MPO for improving roads, public transit, and other ways to get around in Southern Nevada. It shows how money from the federal, state, and local governments, including funds from FHWA and FTA, will be used. The UPWP also includes details about each study, like who is in charge, the budget, timeline, and what is expected.
The UPWP for the years 2026-2027 is currently being developed. We’re gathering ideas and suggestions from local and state groups, all while following the federal guidelines.
The UPWP is divided into two main categories:
Core Planning Activities
These activities focus on meeting federal requirements for transportation planning, including research and data collection.
Planning Studies
These activities look at regional transportation needs and create solutions that may become projects in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Why is it Important?
The UPWP isn’t just about planning transportation improvements; it also includes activities required by federal rules (23 CFR 450). This involves creating the UPWP, Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), along with a Public Participation Plan to involve the community. The process also ensures fairness and accessibility by following Title VI rules, helps manage traffic congestion, and tracks progress with performance measures.
Brings Everyone Together
The UPWP helps local, state, and federal agencies work together to plan transportation projects and follow the rules.
Plans and Manages Funding
It shows what transportation projects will happen over the next two years and how the money will be spent
Focuses on What’s Needed
The UPWP identifies the most important transportation needs and helps plan projects to make getting around easier.
Clarifies Who Does What
It defines the responsibilities of the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), the state, and local agencies in the planning process.
Development Process
The UPWP is a plan made by different important groups to make sure that transportation in Southern Nevada fits with what the federal, state, and local governments want. The RTC is the main group in charge of creating this plan because they oversee transportation in the region.
Process Steps
Collaboration with Key Stakeholders
The RTC works in closely with local city and county governments, including the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), public transit operators, and federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). This collaboration helps make sure that all transportation planning activities are aligned with regional needs and funding availability.
Public Involvement
The development of the UPWP includes a lot of effort to involve the public. Community feedback is collected throughout the process, giving people a chance to share their opinions and make sure the needs of all groups, including those who speak little English or have special transportation needs, are considered.
Review and Approval
Once the UPWP is drafted, it undergoes review by the involved agencies and the public. The final program is presented to the RTC Board for approval. This ensures transparency and that the program reflects the region’s transportation priorities.
Coordination of Funding and Projects
The UPWP lists transportation projects and studies planned for the next few years and shows how money from the federal, state, and local governments will be spent on them. These projects and studies might later become part of long-term transportation plans or improvement programs.
Ongoing Updates
The UPWP is a dynamic document that can be amended to reflect changes in transportation priorities, funding availability, or project timelines. This allows the plan to stay relevant and responsive to emerging transportation needs in the region.
Tasks
Since Fiscal Year (July 1- June 30) 2015 UPWP, the RTC has made the budgeting process easier by organizing activities into seven main tasks. This helps state and federal agencies keep track of spending and reduces the need for frequent budget changes. Each Sub-Task includes details about goals, timelines, and budgets to help the RTC monitor progress. The seven tasks are as follows:
TASK 101
Planning, Coordination, and Outreach
This task covers key planning activities, like updating the UPWP, Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Regional Transportation Plan. It also ensures compliance with Environmental Justice and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Task 101 includes RTC staff costs, working with local, state, and federal partners, and outreach to other groups.
TASK 201
Data Collection and Analysis
This task focuses on gathering and analyzing data to help with planning. It includes updating travel models, running traffic studies, doing surveys, and predicting population and land use. The task also tracks bike and pedestrian activity and helps improve RTC’s ability to analyze transportation. Projects under this task include Regional Bike and Sidewalk Inventory – LIDAR management and Travel Demand Model.
TASK 202
Long Range Transportation Planning
This task prepares for the next Regional Transportation Plan update, focusing on community engagement, performance-based planning, transit coordination, and policies for bike, pedestrian, and safety planning. Projects under this task include Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan and On Board Mobility Plan.
TASK 301
Multimodal Transportation Studies
This task focuses on solving transportation problems, like improving street designs, school access, and freight traffic. It also helps with parking planning and reviews the impact of new developments. Projects under this task include Henderson Sustainable Mobility Plan and Nellis Air Force Base Transportation Study
TASK 302
Intelligent Transportation Systems Planning
This task supports the development of the FAST system in Southern Nevada. It focuses on updating signal timing strategies to improve traffic flow, with funding from the RTP and TIP.
TASK 501
Regional Policy Plan Administration
This task is about managing and supporting the Southern Nevada Strong Regional Plan. The RTC helps coordinate and guide local governments in putting the plan’s goals into action. It focuses on tasks required by Nevada law and building the support needed for the plan to succeed.
TASK 601
Regional Planning and Research
This task focuses on helping local agencies and governments move forward with the regional plan. The RTC provides research and technical support to help them implement their strategies. Progress on the plan depends on each agency’s needs, resources, and commitment. Projects under this task include Safe Streets for All Southern Nevada Action Plan and Transportation Access to Parks
