Announcements & Events

WMPO Elects Officers for 2026

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At the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) Board meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Lynn Barbee, Mayor of the Town of Carolina Beach, was elected as Chairman, and Frank Williams, Commissioner of Brunswick County, was elected as Vice Chairman for a one-year term. Officers are elected at the first meeting of each year. The motion to elect both officials was carried unanimously by the Board.

Both Chairman Barbee and Vice Chairman Williams bring a strong foundation of leadership and perspective to their roles, having served on the Board since 2022 and 2013, respectively. Their election reflects the Board’s confidence in their experience, guidance, and shared commitment to WMPO’s mission.

Chairman Barbee and Vice Chairman Williams look forward to continuing their work with fellow Board members, partners, and staff to move WMPO’s priorities forward and support transportation improvements that better serve communities across the Cape Fear Region. View the complete WMPO Board here.

Public Comment Opportunity: WMPO’s FY27 UPWP (Budget)

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The WMPO’s Draft FY27 UPWP (Unified Planning Work Program) is now available. 

The Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) is a framework for the planning activities and efforts that the WMPO will undertake for the fiscal year. Serving as both a budget and guide, the UPWP is adopted on an annual basis in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines. The UPWP illustrates the funding allocations from federal transportation planning funds, including highway and transit programs. An example of a few items outlined in the UPWP include traffic volume counts, bicycle and pedestrian planning, special studies, and public involvement.

Review the Draft UPWP here, along with our current and previously adopted UPWPs. A printed copy of the document can also be viewed at the WMPO office, located at 525 N 4th St., Wilmington, NC 28401.

An important part of this process is providing the public with an opportunity to comment. The public comment period will be open from January 28, 2026, until 5 p.m. on February 27, 2026. All comments can be emailed to wmpo@wilmingtonnc.gov or sent via U.S mail to:

Wilmington Urban Area MPO
PO Box 1810
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1810

For more information, please email wmpo@wilmingtonnc.gov.

January Board Meeting

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January 28, 2026

MPO Board (Board, formerly TAC):  The WMPO Board sets policy direction and approves all WMPO plans, projects, and proposals. Regular meetings are generally held at 3:00 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month, except December. This meeting will be held in the Board Room at the WMPO Office, located at 525 N. 4th Street, Wilmington, NC.

The WMPO’s current planning area boundary includes New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, Town of Wrightsville Beach, Town of Carolina Beach, Town of Kure Beach, northern portions of Brunswick County, Town of Belville, Town of Leland, Town of Navassa, and southern portions of Pender County. Elected officials from each of these member jurisdictions comprise the WMPO Board, in addition to an elected official serving on the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority’s Board and a member of the North Carolina Board of Transportation appointed by the Governor.

The agenda will be posted when available.

January TCC Meeting

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January 14, 2026

Technical Coordinating Committee (TCC): Consisting of staff from member governmental agencies and transportation agencies, the TCC acts as an advisory board to the WMPO Board. Regular meetings are generally held at 10:00 a.m. on the second-to-last Wednesday of each month, except December, in the Board Room at the WMPO Office, located at 525 N. 4th Street, Wilmington, NC. The agenda will be posted when available.

Public Comment Opportunity: STIP/MPO Amendment #25-7

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The WMPO’s 2024-2033 and 2026-2035 STIP/MPO Amendment #25-7 is now available. This amendment includes revisions to the 2024-2033 and 2026-2035 STIP Highway Program and introduces three new projects: two statewide additions and one project within the WMPO planning area.

Review the document here. A printed copy of the document can also be viewed at the WMPO office, located at 525 N. Fourth Street in downtown Wilmington.

An important part of this process is providing the public with an opportunity to comment. The public comment period will be open from NOVEMBER 19, 2025 until 5 p.m. on DECEMBER 19, 2025.

All comments may be emailed to wmpo@wilmingtonnc.gov or mailed via U.S. mail to:

Wilmington Urban Area MPO
P.O. Box 1810
Wilmington, North Carolina 28402-1810

For more information, please email wmpo@wilmingtonnc.gov.

NCDOT to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Independence Boulevard Extension

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The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is proposing a 1.7-mile extension of Independence Boulevard in Wilmington to improve mobility and reduce traffic congestion through central Wilmington.

NCDOT will host an Open House and Public Hearing to share project details and gather feedback from the community.

Public Meeting Details:
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Open House: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Public Hearing: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington Cafeteria | 4100 Sunglow Drive, Wilmington

For more information about the proposed project and upcoming meetings, visit the Independence Boulevard Extension project webpage.

If you have questions about the upcoming meetings or need additional information, please contact the WMPO at wmpo@wilmingtonnc.gov or by calling (910) 341-3258.

Go Coast Committee Meeting

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November 20, 2025

Representatives from the WMPO’s member jurisdictions and local employers work to advance alternative transportation through the WMPO’s Go Coast program. Regular meetings for this Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Program are held quarterly. Visit GoCoastNC.org for more information.

This meeting will be held virtually at 3 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The agenda will include the meeting link and will be posted as soon as it becomes available.

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