MRCOG Mission & Function

MRCOG's mission is to strengthen individual communities by identifying and initiating regional planning strategies through open dialogue and collaboration between the member governments.

MRCOG provides a variety of services to its members and is funded through a combination of participation fees, federal, state, and other grants. Services provided include planning and technical assistance in the fields of transportation, economic development, ordinances, zoning, job training and other special projects as requested. 

Transportation Planning 

MRMPO

The MRCOG is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Albuquerque Metropolitan Planning Area (AMPA). It is responsible for performing federally-required transportation planning in collaboration with local governments and the public. Project areas of MRMPO include traffic data collection, analyses of current conditions, and forecasts of future conditions. Core products include the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the long-range transportation plan for the region, and the Transportation Improvement Program, which lists all transportation projects that will receive federal transportation funds over the next six years.

MRRTPO

Much of the transportation planning support we provide to the non-metropolitan areas of the region occurs through the Rural Transportation Planning Organization.  The MRRTPO strives to provide a regional forum for cooperative decision making about transportation issues, and to serve as liaison between the local governments and the New Mexico Department of Transportation. MRCOG provides planning, technical, and staff support to the RTPO. 

Economic Development

Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico

The Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico is dedicated to developing this region’s economic strength by providing businesses and job seekers a comprehensive, integrated system of employment, education, and training services. WCCNM’s Business and Career Centers allow employers to access pre-screened job applicants, and to obtain support setting up a job fair. Job seekers can get their skills assessed for job placement, get help with resume writing, job searching, and interview techniques, and learn about educational opportunities. 

Economic Development District

The four-county MRCOG area is a designated Economic Development District. This means that MRCOG assists with preparation of EDA funding applications, and prepares a summary of the region’s economic conditions with recommended activities for growth and development in a report known as the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Economic development staff work closely with the many economic development organizations and local governments in the region— providing vital statistical data and technical assistance to identify community development needs.

Regional Planning

MRRPP

The Regional Planning Program (RPP) provides planning assistance, technical services, and capacity building to the entire MRCOG region with a focus on rural communities. The RPP acts as an extension of local government staff by assisting communities with identifying funding sources for various projects, with grant applications, writing comprehensive plans, mapping, gathering data, revising ordinances, and conducting special studies. RPP staff also offer workshops and trainings for commissioners, elected officials, and local government staff. These often focus on current planning trends or other issues communities in the Mid-Region are facing. RPP staff offer an annual planning commissioners’ workshop as well as individual trainings upon request.  

Water Planning

RPP staff also oversee the Mid-Region Water Resources Board as well as the Mid-Region Levee Task Force.

Rio Metro Regional Transit District

The Rio Metro Regional Transit District is the primary transit provider for Bernalillo, Sandoval and Valencia Counties, offering transit service between municipalities and across county lines. Rio Metro manages the New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail which provides service seven days a week to 15 stations along a 100-mile corridor from Belen to Santa Fe. It also operates and/or funds select bus routes in the tri-county area. Rio Metro’s services link to other statewide destinations and transportation markets, including Taos and Socorro.