How COMPASS Prioritizes Regional Transportation Projects in Ada and Canyon Counties

The short answer

COMPASS prioritizes regional transportation projects in Ada and Canyon counties by analyzing multi-modal needs through travel demand forecast models, measuring project alignment with goals set in the long-range transportation plan (Communities in Motion 2050), and allocating near-term funding through its 7-year Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Proposed investments are categorized into distinct priority lists—including state highways, local roadways, public transit, and regional pathways—before being scored, vetted by member agencies, and presented for public input.

Key facts

MPO Planning Authority

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Ada and Canyon counties (the Treasure Valley), COMPASS coordinates multi-jurisdictional transportation planning across cities, highway districts, transit agencies, and state authorities.

Long-Range Baseline Plan

Prioritization begins with Communities in Motion 2050 (adopted in December 2022), which outlines growth scenarios and targets to address an estimated $193 million annual transportation funding shortfall in the region.

Short-Range Capital Improvement

Near-term funded projects transition into the 7-year Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is updated annually, subject to public review, and required to be financially constrained under federal law.

The Evaluation and Modeling Framework

Transportation priorities in the Treasure Valley are identified using COMPASS's travel demand forecast model. This computerized modeling tool simulates regional growth, traffic volume, and commuting patterns to highlight bottleneck points and network deficiencies anticipated by target horizon years.

• **Performance Goal Alignment:** Projects are scored on how effectively they advance key goals defined in Communities in Motion, such as system safety, corridor connectivity, travel reliability, and environmental health.
• **Modal Classification:** Candidate projects are separated into dedicated priority lists, including state roadway expansions, local arterial improvements, public transit capital/operations, regional pathways, and corridor studies.
• **Data-Driven Selection:** Rather than operating on a first-come, first-served basis, project submissions undergo technical review by COMPASS staff and regional advisory committees.

Programming Priorities into the 7-Year TIP

Once candidate projects are analyzed and prioritized, high-priority near-term investments advance into the short-range capital budget known as the Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The TIP serves as the financial blueprint for federal and state transportation spending in Ada and Canyon counties over a rolling 7-year timeline.

• **Financial Constraint:** Federal regulations require that the first four years of the TIP are fully budgeted based on reasonably anticipated funding streams.
• **Air Quality Compliance:** Projects in northern Ada County are evaluated to ensure they comply with regional air quality requirements.
• **Inter-Agency Coordination:** The regional TIP aligns local highway district plans (such as the Ada County Highway District Integrated Five-Year Work Plan) and Valley Regional Transit priorities with the Idaho Transportation Department's statewide investment program (ITIP).

Public Input and Member Agency Implementation

Public engagement is an integral component of the COMPASS prioritization cycle. Every summer (typically July), COMPASS hosts a public comment period allowing Treasure Valley residents to review and comment on draft updates to the TIP and amendments to Communities in Motion.

• **Board Approval:** The COMPASS Board of Directors—composed of elected officials and leaders from Ada County, Canyon County, local cities, highway districts, and transit agencies—votes on final priority rankings and program approvals.
• **Project Delivery:** While COMPASS establishes regional priorities and assists member agencies in applying for federal grants, physical construction and project delivery remain the responsibility of individual member entities (such as ITD, ACHD, local cities, or Valley Regional Transit).

Common questions

What is the difference between the COMPASS TIP and ITD's ITIP?

The COMPASS Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) focuses specifically on local and state transportation projects within Ada and Canyon counties. The Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP) is a statewide program managed by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). COMPASS's regional TIP feeds directly into the ITIP to ensure local Treasure Valley priorities are reflected in state funding decisions.

How often does COMPASS update its project priority lists?

COMPASS updates its short-range Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) annually. Long-range priority lists and goal criteria are re-evaluated every five years during major updates to the long-range transportation plan (e.g., Communities in Motion 2050, with work underway on Communities in Motion 2055 scheduled for adoption by late 2027).

How can Treasure Valley residents participate in project prioritization?

Residents can participate during COMPASS's designated public comment periods (typically held annually in July), attend COMPASS Board and advisory committee meetings, submit feedback via online interactive maps, and engage with their local city councils, highway district commissioners, or county commissioners who sit on the COMPASS Board.

Related Idaho questions

• What is the difference between the COMPASS TIP and the Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP)?
• How does the public participate in COMPASS transportation prioritization decisions?
• What is Communities in Motion 2050 and how does it impact growth in Treasure Valley cities?

Sources and verification

• Communities in Motion 2050 Project Priorities (cim2050.compassidaho.org)
• COMPASS Regional Transportation Improvement Program (compassidaho.org)