Census
MPO and TMA Definitions Based On Census 2000 Urbanized Area Criteria
An MPO must be designated for each urbanized area defined in the most recent decennial Census with a population of more than 50,000 people. A Transportation Management Area (TMA) is an area designated by the Secretary of Transportation, having an urbanized area population of over 200,000.
On March 15, 2002, the Census Bureau released new definitions of the Urbanized Area for Census 2000 and published the list of all Urbanized Areas on May 1, 2002. For detailed information regarding the new designations of urbanized areas, please go to Census Bureau Geography Division Website and the following Federal Register Notices.
- Federal Register Notices for the Census 2000 Urban Area Criteria, March 15, 2002
- Federal Register Notices for Qualifying Urban Areas for Census 2000, May 1, 2002;
- Federal Register Notices for Designation of Transportation Management Areas, July 8, 2002
Urbanized Area Boundary Maps and GIS Files
- Maps of 2000 Urbanized Areas
- 2000 Urbanized Area Boundary by State and County (If an Urbanized Area crosses county boundaries, Shape files will need to be downloaded for multiple counties)
- National 2000 Urbanized Area Boundaries-one nationwide file in Shape file format (32 MB ZIP file)
Frequently Asked Questions (March 31, 2003)
While the US Department of Transportation has no direct role in the designation of urbanized areas, they are critical to the administration of the surface transportation program. A series of Q&As have been developed to address Key FHWA/FTA program impacts for planning and environment. The following Q&As were developed in March 2003. The 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) has changed some of the transportation planning process requirements discussed here. These Q&As will be updated after the next Census.
- Definitions
- MPO Designation for New Urbanized Areas
- Adjustments to Existing MPO Boundaries
- Designation of new Transportation Management Areas
- Impact on TP and TIP
- Air Quality Non-Attainment and Conformity
- Impact on Funding
- Adjustments to Urban Area Boundaries
- Impacts of the American Community Survey (ACS) on Urbanized Area Definitions
