About Us
Designated by the State of Utah, the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization (Dixie MPO or DMPO) oversees transportation planning for the urbanized and developing areas in Utah’s Washington County, historically known as “Utah’s Dixie”.
Mission
The Dixie MPO leads regional transportation planning through data-driven decision-making to support a safe, connected, and multimodal transportation system for the region.
History
After several years of coordinate planning and efforts to meet local, state, and federal requirements, Utah’s newest metropolitan planning organization was officially designated on September 20, 2002, by then, Governor Michael O. Leavitt. This designation established the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization (also known as the Dixie MPO or DMPO) to serve the growing transportation needs of urban Washington County.
The federal government formally acknowledged the Governor’s designation on October 8, 2002, allowing for the Dixie MPO, in coordination with local, state, and federal partners, to manage regional transportation planning for the St. George Urbanized Area (SGUZA). The MPO’s planning boundary was established to include areas expected to become urbanized by 2025. As the region has continued to grow, the planning area has expanded to include the Hurricane Urbanized Area and now encompasses areas project to become urbanized by 2055. The Dixie MPO is administered by the Five County Association of Governments (FCAOG), where its office are located.
Who Are We
At Dixie MPO, we help shape the future of transportation for 9 cities and towns and the urbanized areas of Washington County. The MPO plays a key role in guiding how people travel connect, and move around Utah’s Dixie.
The Transportation Executive Council sets the vision, goals, and programing of federal transportation funds, while MPO staff oversees daily operations through data-driven analysis, planning, and forecasting to develop long-range plans and strategies. Together with local leaders, partner agencies, and the Utah Department of Transportation, we coordinate ensure local transportation needs are aligned with state and national priorities to keep the region moving safely and efficiently.
Organization
The Dixie MPO is made of three recognized entities:
The MPO Staff manages the daily operations of the MPO including planning, analysis, and coordinating with partners to make smart investments into our transportation system.
The Dixie Transportation Advisory Committee (DTAC), a technical advisory body to the Dixie Transportation Executive Council. Comprised of regional professional planners, engineers, city managers, public work officials, and others with technical expertise in transportation issues and projects.
The Dixie Transportation Executive Council (DTEC), a policy body comprised of elected officials representing MPO cities, Washington County, and Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). It is an organization of governments fostering cooperation in resolving transportation problems, policies, and plans within the region.