Regional agencies provide transportation funding that can be allocated to assist local agencies in their efforts to create healthier neighborhoods. For example, a number of regional metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) award special infrastructure funding to cities and counties that promote development that is accessible by walking, bicycling and transit.

Examples include:

• The Transportation for Livable Communities program administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area
• The Smart Growth Incentive Program offered by the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
• The Sacramento Area Council of Government’s Community Design Program

Local officials can encourage regional agencies with innovative funding programs to expand them and can also work to establish similar funding programs in regions where they don’t currently exist. Because local elected officials comprise the governing boards of these regional agencies, they can be effective advocates for setting funding priorities to support transportation investments that encourage physical activity.