The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is an intergovernmental transportation planning agency created by an agreement among Lee County, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and the Florida Department of Transportation. State and federal laws require the formation of MPOs in urbanized areas with populations of more than 50,000 in order for surface transportation projects to be eligible for federal Highway Trust Fund dollars.

The MPO is responsible for conducting a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process for all of Lee County. It must plan for the movement of both people and goods within the county by all modes of travel--including highways, public transportation, bicycles, and foot. It also plans for the connections (such as airports, seaports, or bus, railroad, and pipeline terminals) linking these modes or tying us to the rest of the world.

The MPO sets priorities among surface transportation improvement projects within Lee County for state or federal funding. In order for them to be eligible for federal funds, federal law requires that the MPO endorse a transportation improvement program identifying the projects to be done over the next few years.