Forward Pinellas is a land use and transportation planning agency. We guide integrated transportation and land use solutions that sustain economic value by connecting the communities of Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region.

The agency is charged with addressing countywide land use and transportation concerns, as both the Pinellas Planning Council and Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning Organization. Forward Pinellas not only provides a forum for countywide decision-making on transportation and land use issues, but also assists Pinellas County’s 24 cities and unincorporated Pinellas County with technical support, regional coordination and policy advice and guidance.

Downtown Dunedin

Our economic prosperity in Pinellas County depends in large part on wise decisions that enable seamless transportation and redevelopment that provides opportunity for people and communities to thrive.

Our Mission

Forward Pinellas will provide leadership to align resources and plans that help to achieve a compelling vision for Pinellas County, our individual communities and our region.

We will do so by:

  • Creating integrated land use and transportation plans that provide viable mobility options and sustainable development patterns;
  • Engaging the public in the development of transportation and land use plans;
  • Forging effective partnerships among public agencies, citizens and the business community;
  • Defining cost-effective strategies to meet the transportation and land use goals of Pinellas County; and
  • Setting priorities for sound public investment in transportation improvements.

These actions will occur within a spirit of collaboration with our public and private sector partners. We will cooperate to strengthen access to economic opportunity, foster resilient, livable communities and improve safety within Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay region.  

We aspire to an organizational culture of professional public service with high ethical standards. We also work to foster creative problem-solving, continuous learning, leadership development and a team environment, continuously seeking to align goals and actions across jurisdictions.

In its role as the Pinellas Planning Council, Forward Pinellas is governed by a special act of the State Legislature (Chapter 2012-245, Laws of Florida) and the Pinellas County Charter. The agency is tasked with providing policy advice and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners, in its role as the Countywide Planning Authority.

Forward Pinellas also serves as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for Pinellas County. The Pinellas County MPO operates in accordance with Federal Law (23 USC 134 and 135) and Chapter 339.175, Florida Statutes to address the mobility needs of people and freight while fostering economic growth and minimizing fuel consumption, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.  The Pinellas MPO was established in 1977 following the passage of the Federal Highway Act of 1974.  It develops plans, policies and priorities that guide local decision-making on transportation issues. Principal responsibilities include the development of a 20-year Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) a five-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) a two-year Unified Planning Work Program and related transportation planning studies and projects.

SR 682 bridge

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