Rural Planning Organization (RPO)

rural road

A Voice for Rural Communities in Transportation Planning

Created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2000 through the Board of Transportation Reform Bill (House Bill 1304), Rural Planning Organizations (RPOs) give rural areas a unified voice in shaping transportation priorities and pursuing state and federal funding. These voluntary, advisory partnerships connect local governments with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to coordinate regional planning efforts.

Each RPO is established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that defines its boundaries, membership, and responsibilities. An RPO typically includes representatives from three to fifteen adjoining counties with a combined population of at least 50,000 people outside an existing Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

Core Purpose

  • Develop long-range, multimodal transportation plans in partnership with NCDOT
  • Provide a forum for community input and participation
  • Identify and prioritize projects for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
  • Share transportation data and resources with local governments and the public
  1. Mid-East Regional Planning Area
  2. Rural Technical Coordinating Committee
  3. Rural Transportation Advisory Committee

About the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization

Map of the Mid-East Rural Planning Organization service area showing Pitt, Beaufort, and Martin Counties.

The Mid-East RPO represents rural areas within Pitt, Beaufort, and Martin counties. It was formed through MOUs adopted by Martin and Beaufort counties in January 2002 and by the Pitt County Board of Commissioners in February 2002. The RPO spans approximately 2,000 square miles and serves about 117,500 residents.

Through coordination among local, regional, and state partners, the Mid-East RPO works to improve transportation access, safety, and connectivity across eastern North Carolina.