Who We Are
The Regional Planning Commission serves as both the regional planning agency for Southeast Louisiana and the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the region’s urbanized areas.
The RPC as an agency is comprised of two governing bodies, the Regional Planning Commission, the Transportation Policy Committee, and is assisted by support staff.
- The Regional Planning Commission is a board of local elected officials and citizen members who deliberates and collaborates on matters of regional importance, including economic development, environmental planning, and transportation.
- The Transportation Policy Committee of the RPC serves as MPO governing decision-making body regarding Federal transportation planning and programming pursuant to 23 USC 134.
- The RPC is staffed by 20 professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including urban planning, landscape architecture, economic development, environmental science, public health, and finance. The executive director, Mr. Jeffrey Roesel, reports to the RPC and TPC.
Who We Serve
We serve the people of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes.
Our Purpose
The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) leads collaborative planning efforts that strengthen the future of Southeast Louisiana. Our purpose is to coordinate regional strategies that support safe transportation, environmental stewardship, resilient infrastructure, and economic growth.
As both the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and regional planning agency for the region, we bring together local, state, and federal partners to guide investments, shape policy, and improve quality of life across parish boundaries.
We work to ensure that every plan is rooted in community input, driven by data, and aligned with a long-term vision for a stronger, more connected region.
What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)?
MPOs are responsible for coordinating transportation planning and funding across multiple jurisdictions in an urbanized area. This task includes the creation and implementation of a long-range Metropolitan Transportation Plan and a four-year Transportation Improvement Program. MPOs are required by federal law in areas with a population of 50,000 or more. The RPC’s Transportation Policy Committee serves as the MPO for four such areas: New Orleans, Hammond-Ponchatoula, Mandeville-Covington, and Slidell
Governing Bodies
Regional Planning Commission (RPC)
The RPC Board is composed of local elected officials and citizen members.
Transportation Policy Committee (TPC)
The Transportation Policy Committee (TPC) is made up of the RPC membership plus mayors from local municipalities and representatives from the maritime, freight, aviation industries, and public transportation providers.