Forward Pinellas Board Meeting 5-12-26

The Forward Pinellas Board Meeting held on May 12, 2026, focused extensively on regional transportation planning and development initiatives in Pinellas County and surrounding areas. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of phase one of the US 19 corridor transit-oriented development (TOD) study and authorization to proceed with phase two, which involves developing a preliminary transit service plan and assessing capital and operating costs. The board also reviewed and discussed the draft transportation priorities list to be submitted to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the next five-year work program, highlighting several newly funded projects and ongoing construction efforts. Additionally, the board approved the appointment of representatives to the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Committee (MOAC) and accepted the 2025 independent audit reports for Forward Pinellas and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), both of which received clean opinions. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to discussions about the proposed merger of regional MPOs, including seat apportionment and governance bylaws, with members expressing concerns about equitable representation and the timing of votes. No final resolution was adopted on the merger at this meeting, as further review of bylaws and interlocal agreements was requested. Overall, the meeting emphasized advancing transportation infrastructure projects, securing federal funding, and fostering regional collaboration while maintaining local governance interests.