Mission Statement
The mission of the Lake Havasu Metropolitan Planning Organization (LHMPO) is to provide open leadership and guidance for regional transportation planning through a cooperative effort that will result in a practical and positive growth model beneficial to residents, visitors and businesses.
What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)?
A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a federally mandated and federally funded transportation policy-making organization in the United States that is made up of representatives from local government and governmental transportation authorities. The United States Congress passed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962, which required the formation of an MPO for any urbanized area (UZA) with a population greater than 50,000. Federal funding for transportation projects and programs are channeled through this planning process. Congress created MPOs in order to ensure that existing and future expenditures of governmental funds for transportation projects and programs are based on a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive (“3‑C”) planning process.
In 2010, the United States Census reflected that Lake Havasu City’ population surpassed the 50,000 population threshold; thus, requiring the establishment of a MPO.
The Lake Havasu Metropolitan Planning Organization planning area boundary encompasses all areas within the Lake Havasu City limits, the Mohave County area north of the City limits known as Desert Hills, Havasu Gardens, Crystal Beach and the Mohave County area south of the City known as Horizon Six. The planning boundary of the MPO is approximately 100 square miles.